Police can only search you or your car if they have 'reasonable grounds' to suspect they will find illegal drugs, weapons or stolen goods, or to preserve evidence. Otherwise a search warrant is required.

Police can search a house without a warrant if they believe they will find someone who has committed a 'serious indictable crime' or who has escaped custody. Police can also get a warrant to search a house if they believe drugs are there. If police come to your house to search, ask to see the warrant.