©

First Edition printed in 2013
Printed in Australia
Copyright © 2013 Larraine Henning & Waxcastle Workshop
Feel free to copy and distribute this book but keep in mind the livelihood of the author who
depends on its sales. When copying please respect the integrity of the content and design.
And it would be sweet if you could let her know, who, how and why you are copying and/
or distributing. If you wish to contact the author, do so at [email protected]. She likes to
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a practical guide to squatting
by larraine henning
A record of this book is held at the National Library of Australia
2
ISBN 978-0-646-90431-3
3
Author : Larraine henning
Illustrations + Design : Larraine Henning
Production Manager : Julia Klassen
Assistant Editor : Margo Reimer
Creative Consultant : Isaac Klassen
Logistics Manager: Leigh Graham
Legal Consultant : Harold Henning
Deputy of Morale: Bonnie Bess McCoy
Produced by : Waxcastle Workshop
Printed by: Inky’s Digital/Offset Print & Design
2/101 Newmarket Road, Windsor, QLD, 4030
Inside pages: 100gsm Sun Offset (Quality woodfree paper) FSC Certified
(Responsible Forestry Practices)
Cover Stock: 250gsm Envirocare 100% recycled (Natural Warm recycled paper) 75% PCW
(Process Chlorine Free) and 25% pre consumer waste recycled fibre.
Fonts : Penelope Anne + Little Miss Priss
designed by Vanessa Bays - http://bythebutterfly.com/
f i r s t e d i t i on
More information on squatting is readily available online
In the UK
www.squashcampaign.org
www.squatter.org.uk
www.redpepper.org.uk/squatting-for-beginners
www.gov.uk/squatting-law/overview
6
disclaimer
In the Netherlands
http://ksuoost.squat.net/
http://docs.china-europa-forum.net/doc_969.pdf
http://www.krakenpost.nl/
http://valreep.wordpress.com/
The content of this book may allude to illicit activity. The author in no way takes any responsibility for
illegal actions that may result from consulting this book. The book is not intended to provide sound legal
advice, and readers should consult a lawyer regarding local laws and regulations with regards to squatting,
trespassing and possession of property.
In Australia
www.activistrightssydney.org
http://melbournecio.org/
http://shac.squat.net/index.html
www.australianmuseumofsquatting.org
www.legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au/guides/tenants_rights_manual/other_tenants/squatters.html
http://designforchangemelbourne.blogspot.com.au/2009/01/no-frills-melbourne-squatters-guide.html
In Canada
www.straightdope.com
www.homelessnation.org/node/5231
http://en.squat.net/tag/canada/
www.centresocialautogere.org/sites/default/files/upload/PCAPsquattersGuideFINALJune2003.pdf
In the USA
http://shwagr.com/
http://shwagr.com/posts/a-squatters-50-state-guide-to-stealing-property-by-adverse-possession
www.homesnotjailssf.org/wb/pages/home.php
http://www.o4onyc.org/
In France
http://www.jeudi-noir.org/
Everywhere
http://en.squat.net/
http://squattheplanet.com/
http://trafo.eyca.org/articles/squatting-in-europeb-know-the-rules/
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instructions
1. look for clues that the building is vacant
(property overgrown, letterbox full, windows boarded,
power is off, check electricity meter)
2. to be certain ask postman, shop owner or neighbour
(think up a lie about why you are asking, ie research / student)
16
3. try to choose a building that will not need too much repair work
4. identify who owns the building and what their plans are for it
(consult the land registry office to see
if there are any development applications)
5. if possible negotiate with the owner to stay
6. getting the media and community on your side will help
(see ch. 14)
SCOUTING A VACANT BUILDING
17
a.
d.
b.
c.
instructions
e.
f.
1. best to do during the day
(less suspicious)
2. dress in work uniform or business suit
(also less suspicious)
22
i.
3. select simplest and less conspicuous point of entry
4. make as little noise as possible
h.
5. break as little as possible
(will help later when/if police become involved)
g.
l.
k.
j.
forceless break-in entry kit
{ a. backpack, b. flashlights, c. rope, d. hammer, e. ballpoint pen, f. carpet, g. pocket knife,
h. crowbar, i. bungee cord, j. water canteen, k. wrench, l. bobby pin }
6. if caught tell police building was unlocked
(avoid criminal charges)
7. if arrested only relinquish name
& seek legal advice (see ch. 3)
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2.






1.
instructions
4.






24
1. collect bobby pin & ballpoint pen
2. bend bobby pin into pick, remove nubs
& bend tip to 45 ˚ angle
3. remove clip (tension wrench) from pen
& bend end to 90 ˚angle
3.
4. insert tension wrench & lift up
5. insert pick, push to back & wiggle
around until barrel turns
5.
6. push tension wrench further until lock opens
6.
how-to pick a lock
{ tools: a. bobby pin, b. uniball ballpoint pen }
25
2.
1.
instructions
4.
1. collect oil drum, drill, stove pipe, bricks, pot lid,
hinges, strap latch, cutting torch, wood
2. with cutting torch cut circular openings in side
& top of drum to fit pipe & pot lid
68
3.
3. insert stove pipe
4. affix latch and hinges to pot lid
5. affix pot lid to top of drum
(bend latch and hinges if necessary)
5.
6.
how-to make a wood stove from an oil drum
{ tools: a. 55 gallon drum, b. drill, c. 6" stove pipe, d. bricks, e. pot lid,
f. hinges, g. strap latch, h. cutting torch, i. wood }
6. place stove atop pad of bricks & start fire
69
materials
plastic bottles = 1,040
garden canes = 80
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exterior doors = 6
rail posts = 4
2 x 4 ’s = 10
wooden palettes = 4-5
shack assembly
{ tools: a. drill, b. hammer, c. rope, d. nails & screws, e. hand saw, f. pocket knife }
87
instructions
1. transparent sides should face windows to optimize daylight
2. opaque sides should face adjacent units
& public spaces to optimize privacy
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3. spaces between unit and walls are good for more personal activities
(writing, painting, woodworking etc)
4. additional space around unit are good for leisure
(playing, watching t.v, music)
5. this space can be combined with adjacent units
to create a larger common space for leisure
SPA
NEW
PER
6. make space as comfortable and liveable as possible
this is your home after-all
7. again, make sure front door area is clear of stuff
settling your shack
91
S
NEW
NEWSPAP
PER
SPA
NEW
potting
soil
1.
potting
soil
pott
in
soil g
108
P
PA
ER
instructions
4.
P
NEWSPA
1. collect bucket & lid, potting soil,
tomato seedling, drill, newspaper & watering can
ER
3.
ER
ER
PAP
po
so ttin
g
il
ER
R
A PE
W SP
potting
soil
NE
S
NEW
potting
soil
WS
NE
PER
NEWSPA
ER
PAP
p
so otti
il ng
PER
SPA
NEW
2. drill 3 ” hole in bottom of bucket
& many 1/2 ” holes in lid (for watering)
NEWSPAPE
R
3. line bottom of bucket with newspaper
& cut slits in center
potting
soil
pot
soil ting
4. fill bucket with soil
5. turn bucket over and plant into hole through newspaper
potting
soil
P
PA
WS
2.
6. turn over, hang and water
5.
6.
how-to plant hanging tomatoes
{ a. bucket & lid, b. potting soil, c. tomato seedling, d. drill,
e. watering can, f. newspaper }
109
2.


=

=
=
SALTS
1..
SALTS
SALTS
instructions

=
=
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SALTS
SALTS
4.
1. collect tarp’s, big rocks, logs, gum, tent pegs, hammer,
long net, garden hose, salts, needle & thread
2. once house is demolished
clean away all debris from foundation
=
3. stitch tarp’s together & gum seams
3.
4. line basement walls & floor with tarp,
placing large rocks around edges
6.
5. secure tarp to ground with tent pegs,
& border with 1/2 cut logs
6. fill with water, salts & clean periodically with net
5.
how-to make a swimming pool in an open foundation
{ tools: a. tarp's, b. thread & needle, c. big rocks, d. gum, e. hammer, f. tent pegs,
g. garden hose, h. 1/2 cut logs, i. long net, j. salts }
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