Trespass Act Agent Program
Business and commercial property owners in Surrey frequently contact police for assistance with unwanted individuals on their premises, including those loitering, camping, using drugs, or engaging in behaviours that causes concern for employees, customers, or residents.
To enhance the safety and security of commercial and multi-residential properties, Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers can act as “agents” for participating locations through the Trespass Act Agent Program. This free voluntary initiative allows property owners and managers to authorize SPS officers to act on their behalf under the BC Trespass Act.
By joining the program, participants grant SPS officers the authority to enter their property and remove unwanted individuals without needing to contact the owner or manager first. Police will only access exterior areas of a property, such as entryways, alcoves, driveways, and open parking lots. Officers will not enter business interiors, private residences, or individual units.
Trespassing is an offence under the BC Trespass Act, which prohibits individuals from remaining on or returning to a property after being notified not to do so. Through this program, SPS officers take an education-first approach, informing individuals of the law and, when appropriate, connecting them to community supports such as shelters
and outreach services. If individuals refuse to leave, officers may take
enforcement action.
Participating property owners will receive a free SPS Trespass Act Agent “Partner” sticker to display on their premises, signalling participation in the program.
It’s important to note that participation in this program does not provide additional patrols or dedicated property protection; rather, it allows officers to respond more efficiently to trespassing incidents.
Through the Trespass Act Agent Program, SPS aims to enhance public safety, improve response efficiency, and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and commercial property owners.
Commercial business owners and multi-residential property owners in the Whalley/City Centre district are invited to sign up for the Trespass Act Agent Program.
The program will expand to Newton and South Surrey in early 2026.
Application process:
- Complete the online agent status letter to grant SPS the authority to act on your behalf in removing or banning trespassers.
- Email the completed form to crimeprevention@surreypolice.ca or deliver a signed paper copy to SPS Headquarters or the Whalley/City Centre Community Police Office.
Once the program expands in 2026, signed letters may also be delivered to the Newton and South Surrey district offices (view locations)
You will receive an email confirming your participation in the program. An SPS representative will then coordinate the delivery of your program sticker.
The sticker identifies your property as a registered participant in the program. SPS officers who observe trespassing on your property are authorized to intervene and engage with individuals on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I sign up for the Trespass Act Agent Program?
The program authorizes officers to enforce violations under the BC Trespass Act while acting as an agent for the owner or manager of a commercial or multi-residential property, without requiring the owner’s presence.
Is there a cost for this program?
The program is free for all participants. The required program “Partner” sticker will be provided to you at no charge by SPS.
I live in a single-family home. Can I register for the program?
This program is currently available only to commercial properties and multi-residential buildings. While vacant lots and single-family homes do not qualify, SPS offers complimentary crime prevention assessments. To learn more, email crimeprevention@surreypolice.ca.
I own a property in Newton/South Surrey. Can I apply for the Trespass Act Agent Program now?
Not yet. The Trespass Act Agent Program is currently available only to commercial businesses and multi-unit residential property owners in the Whalley/City Centre district. The program will expand to Newton and South Surrey in early 2026. This phased rollout allows Surrey Police Service to launch the program in a controlled way, ensuring capacity aligns with demand and participants receive appropriate support.
Will patrols increase in my area once I have signed up?
No. While police attempt to patrol high-crime areas, call volumes and available resources vary. When police proactively encounter a trespasser on your property, they will be authorized to intervene.
Will trespassers go to jail?
It depends on the situation. In most cases, officers will first educate individuals about the law and ask them to leave. However, if they refuse to comply, enforcement action may be taken.
How long is this contract for?
The contract is open-ended. It can be terminated at any time by either the property owner (or their representative) or SPS.
During business hours, am I still supposed to report incidents to police?
Yes. The Trespass Act Agent Program is primarily intended for after-hours use (from business closing to opening), allowing police to act on your behalf when your business is not operational. During regular business hours, you are responsible for reporting incidents to 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line at 604-599-0502.
Once registered, do police require access to building interiors?
Generally, no. The Trespass Act Agent Program covers the exterior areas of your property where BC Trespass Act issues typically occur, such as entranceways, alcoves, driveways, and open parking lots. If a trespasser breaches a fenced area or building doors, police may need access to investigate further and assess potential Criminal Code offences, such as break and enter.