(4) If, on the application of an enforcement authority, it is proved to the satisfaction of a magistrate on sworn information—
- (a) that admission to a building or part of a building has been refused, or that refusal of admission is reasonably expected, or that it is unoccupied or that the case is one of urgency; and
- (b) that there is a good reason for an authorized officer to enter it,
the magistrate may issue a warrant authorizing an authorized officer to enter the building or part of a building with such force as may be necessary.
(5) On leaving an unoccupied building or part of a building entered in accordance with this section, an authorized officer must ensure that it is as effectively secured against trespassers as the officer found it at the time of entry.
(6) A warrant issued under this section continues in force for 1 month from the date of its issue or until the purpose for which entry is required has been fulfilled, whichever first occurs.
17. Authorized officer may request information about ownership or occupation of building
(1) An authorized officer may ask a person to provide information that may identify an owner or occupier of a composite building or a domestic building, but only if—
- (a) the officer reasonably believes that the person has the information; and
- (b) the information is not readily available by an inspection of a public record.
(2) A person who, without reasonable excuse—
- (a) refuses to answer a question put to the person under subsection (1); or
- (b) provides an answer that the person knows or ought reasonably to know is false or misleading,
is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4.
18. Offence to obstruct certain persons exercising or performing functions under this Ordinance
Any person who, without reasonable excuse, resists, obstructs or delays a person who is exercising or performing, or attempting to exercise or perform, a function conferred or imposed by this Ordinance is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
