Duncan Lewis Criminal law Director Featured by the Mail on 'Skip Diving' and Theft Law (14 April 2026)

Duncan Lewis Solicitors has been featured in the Daily Mail (This is Money), with Sunjay Versani, Director of Criminal Law, providing expert legal commentary on a reader query about individuals taking items from a skip on private property.

Responding to concerns about so-called “skip diving”, Sunjay set out the legal position, explaining that while the practice is common, it is not lawful. He clarified that where a skip is located on private land, its contents remain protected, and individuals removing items without permission may be committing offences under the Theft Act 1968, as well as trespass and, in some cases, criminal damage.

Sunjay’s comments highlighted the key distinction between waste left in public spaces and items contained within a skip on private property, reinforcing that ownership and control are retained until lawful collection. He also addressed wider concerns around the resale of items and potential links to unregulated or criminal activity.

This coverage demonstrates Duncan Lewis’ strength in criminal law and its ability to provide clear, practical legal insight on everyday issues affecting the public.

Read the full article here

About Sunjay:

Sunjay Versani is a Solicitor, High Court Advocate and Director of the City of London and Harrow crime team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors. For advice in any criminal litigation matter, contact Sunjay via email at sunjayv@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 020 7923 4020.

Duncan Lewis Solicitor’s criminal defence department is renowned for its well-prepared, high-quality work and the ability to assemble first-rate evidence and documentation. The team has a significant practice defending clients in serious and complex criminal cases, particularly gang related serious crime, murder, and drugs importations. Their defence expertise extends to motoring law offences; business and HMRC fraud; cases of sexual abuse, including rape; violent crime; and terrorism.