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Can I protect my property?

There have been several robberies in our street and one of my neighbours was attacked when she disturbed the robbers. If someone enters my property how far can I go to defend myself?
Asked in Newcastle - Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, NSW, 22-11-2015
1 Lawyer Answered
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.

Answer by Jo Wilson, Macleod 3085 Vic

  • This depends on the circumstances.
  • You are entitled to use reasonable force to protect yourself however the same does not apply for the protection of your property.
  • You are not allowed to shoot someone because you fear they may be about to steal your belongings.
  • Any force used must be reasonable and proportionate to the actual threat. 

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