Thousands of homes across America are being invaded by squatters, who move in and legally live rent-free — and amazingly there’s no easy way for homeowners or the police to evict them.

In Atlanta, the problem is so bad some residents are too afraid to leave for a vacation, for fear of returning to an unwanted visitor or even finding their home converted into an ad hoc strip club.

However, squatting isn’t as simple as turning up to someone’s home and pushing your way in.

This has led to a host of internet forums and dark web pages devoted to the subject offering a fascinating “dummies guide” to getting into someone else’s house and establishing a right to be there.