Search Warrants Act 1997

When a police officer exercises a power under section 16 in relation to a conveyance, he or she –

may use such assistance as is necessary; and except when exercising a power under section 16 in the circumstances referred to in section 16(2)(d), is to search the conveyance in a public place or in some other place to which members of the public have ready access; and is not to detain the conveyance for longer than is necessary and reasonable to search it and any thing attached to or found in or on the conveyance; and may use such force as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances, but is not to damage the conveyance or any thing attached to or found in or on the conveyance by forcing open a part of the conveyance or thing unless – the person (if any) apparently in charge of the conveyance has been given a reasonable opportunity to open that part or thing; or it is not possible to give that person such an opportunity.