Wanderlust World Wanderlust World No. In North Carolina, a repossession agent cannot cut locks, chains, or force entry into a building or enclosed area to seize collateral.
Doing so constitutes breach of the peace (N.C.G.S. § 25-9-609, UCC § 9-609), which is prohibited. The agent may only take possession without breach of the peace—e.g., from an open driveway, unlocked garage, or with voluntary surrender.
If access is denied, the creditor must seek a court order (claim and delivery / replevin). Cutting locks exposes the agent and creditor to civil liability (damages, statutory penalties) and potential criminal charges (trespass, breaking/entering).