Yes
A bailiff my enter the debtors property peacefully by opening the unlocked gate.[1]
The bailiff cannot put his hand through the gate to reach inside to draw back a bar to open the gate because that amounts to burglary.[1]
If the key is in the lock, the bailiff may enter by turning the key.[1]
If the bailiff finds the key under a mat, he may not enter using the key,[2] or enter using a landlord's key.[3]
Bailiffs may enter property by any usual means of entry,[4] and must only use a door or usual means of entry to enter premises.[5]
These rules do not apply if the Bailiff is collecting unpaid court fines, or money owned to HMRC.[6]
[1] Ryan v Shilcock [1851] 7 Exch 72
[2] Welch v Krakovsky [1919]
[3] Miller v Curry [1893]
[4] Regulation 20 of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013
[5] Paragraph 59 of the Taking Control of Goods: National Standards 2014, April 2014
[6] See Bailiffs and entering using a locksmith
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