Did you know that the UK has between 15,000 and 17,000 squatters? The Independent Online reports that when squatters get apartments from local town councils, they often flee public housing and return to a new squat--because the squats are in better condition and offer more personal control. Most observers suggest that the squatters are hard working and care for their buildings. Still, laws have been tightened in favor of property owners of the past 10 to 15 years. Also, "court verdicts have now made it harder for squatters to persuade gas and electricity suppliers to connect them."