A HOME Office contractor has been accused of using surveillance methods to help carry out lock-change evictions as two more vulnerable asylum seekers are left on the streets of Glasgow.

Refugee campaigners supporting those targeted by Serco in their bid to remove as many as 300 asylum seekers from their Glasgow say they believe those at risk have been watched for “some time”.

On Thursday, it emerged that two asylum seekers had been hit with lock-change evictions by the contractor, despite an ongoing court case to establish the practice’s legality.

The Evening Times has also been told that medication of one of the men involved was contaminated with aftershave during the eviction, and personal Home Office documents removed.

READ MORE: Glasgow asylum seekers left destitute after Serco lock-change evictions

It is understood the man has serious health issues and relies on this medication.

Chris Stephens MP said: "He was out for a medical appointment when Serco came. They spilled aftershave on his medication and removed documents.

“It seems clear that they are watching and waiting for people to leave.”

Glasgow Times:

This takes the total number of people left destitute in the city to five, following three such evictions earlier in the summer.

The Scottish Refugee Council has said their support services are struggling to find people emergency accommodation.

READ MORE: Serco quizzed on Glasgow asylum seeker eviction methods

Media officer Chris Afuakwah said: “While this seems like a small number, it is absolutely devastating for each person affected.

“Our staff are struggling to find people emergency accommodation and are seeing a lot of distress and anxiety. We are now seeing several people every day who have received letters telling them their locks will be changed.

“We’re worried that Serco is using surveillance methods to target people while they are temporarily out of their homes, either to go to the shops or to appointments.

“On Thursday, one of the two men left his property for just a few hours, and when he returned his locks had been changed. When questioned about this, Serco claimed that he had abandoned his property.

“We believe Serco had been watching the man’s movements for some time, waiting for him to go out.

READ MORE: Glasgow politicians back 'general amnesty' for asylum seekers in city

“We wish Serco would remember that these men and women are here in Glasgow seeking refugee protection. They are looking for safety.”

The network of activists supporting those faced with eviction have also spoken out against the lock changes.

Leo Plumb of the No Evictions network said: “From the time people are evicted they are severely traumatised.

Glasgow Times:

“These people are very fraught, nervous and not in control of the situation. They are contemplating spending the night on the streets.

"We need to force this issue to the forefront of people's minds."

When asked about the concerns raised about Serco carrying out surveillance on asylum seekers, the Home Office refused to address the issue.

Serco also refused to deny they had been spying on refugees.

READ MORE: Council asked to step up and provide housing for at-risk Glasgow asylum seekers

Serco's Jenni Halliday said: “Far from being the villain of the piece that some people would have us, the reality is that for the past three years and at our own expense, Serco has been providing more accommodation and support for former asylum seekers than any other organisation in Scotland.

"We have also made £150,000 available to local charities in the Glasgow area.

“Asylum seekers who have received negative decision from the Home Office have been receiving regular reminders that they are no longer entitled to stay in the accommodation that we have been providing.”

A Home Office spokesman added: "We take the wellbeing of asylum seekers and the local communities in which they live extremely seriously.

“Together with charities we have engaged with every individual affected over a number of months to provide advice and guidance on the support and options available to them.”