0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Meet the sheriffs. - Let's go and introduce ourselves.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06We're High Court enforcement officers.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08We're here to exercise a High Court writ.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11They're the men whose job it is to get you your money back.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13It's an arrestable offence to stop me doing my job.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15If you've been ripped off and don't know where to turn...
0:00:15 > 0:00:17I'm not waiting any more.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19I'm ordered to seize goods to clear this debt,
0:00:19 > 0:00:20which would mean clearing this place out.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24..if you've been to court but still not been paid what you're owed...
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Why don't you just tell me who you are?
0:00:26 > 0:00:28This is an absolute crock. You need to pay this.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31..the High Court enforcement officers are charged by law to
0:00:31 > 0:00:34recover what a court says is rightfully yours.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36I have seized your car, sir.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38You can have a letter through the door or the window.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39Whoa, whoa, whoa.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41It's time to call the sheriffs.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43I've collected 42 grand.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Coming up - this Central London guitar store sold a customer's
0:00:51 > 0:00:55classic guitar and then kept her money.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Can the sheriffs change their tune?
0:00:57 > 0:01:00I'm going to call out locksmiths and effect entry and I will be
0:01:00 > 0:01:02removing all the goods from the premises today.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Parking officer Charles Senior was dismissed on the spot
0:01:06 > 0:01:09and denied the money he was entitled to.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13I felt wrongly treated. I'd been dismissed there and then.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Can the sheriffs make his former employer pay up?
0:01:19 > 0:01:23And the sheriffs meet a debtor with something to get off his chest.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38The sheriffs collect 93p for every £1 they're asked to enforce.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40But despite this high ratio of success,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42life isn't always easy for them.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46This morning, Lawrence and Kev are on their way
0:01:46 > 0:01:49for a return visit to a guitar shop in Central London.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54First time around, they found the shop closed,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56so left paperwork from the High Court
0:01:56 > 0:01:59commanding the owner to get in touch.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Which he's failed to do.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Right, we are heading to London Guitar Centre.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08We have attended this address previously before and we've had
0:02:08 > 0:02:12no correspondence from the last lot of paperwork we left there.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17The woman they're trying to help, Emma,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19doesn't want us to use her full name.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22She agreed to let the London Guitar Centre sell
0:02:22 > 0:02:27a classic guitar on her behalf - a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31But when the sale was made, the shop didn't hand over the money.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Emma took them to court
0:02:33 > 0:02:36and, when the London Guitar Centre's owner didn't contest the case,
0:02:36 > 0:02:42a judge ordered him to pay Emma the £3,120 she was owed.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45But since then, the shop has failed to pay a penny.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50Now it's up to Lawrence and Kev to make him pay up, one way or another.
0:02:55 > 0:02:56It's a fair amount of money
0:02:56 > 0:02:59but if there is a few nice guitars there, which we are hoping for,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03it wouldn't take many of them to have the debt settled.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06So that's what we will be looking for. We'll go there maybe with
0:03:06 > 0:03:09the intention of forcing entry with locksmiths
0:03:09 > 0:03:13and hopefully seizing possible guitars on the premises.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16So, hopefully, we'll get a result on this one.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- It's literally there, isn't it? - Yeah.- Have we got space?
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- I think we have got space. - There's loads of spaces up there.
0:03:24 > 0:03:2715 minutes later they arrive at the shop,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30just yards away from the world-famous bustle
0:03:30 > 0:03:32of Leicester Square.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34It's not open.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Didn't expect it to be, did we?
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Despite the busy street, the shop appears to be closed today.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45But this isn't going to stop Lawrence.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48He finds the manager's phone number stuck to the front door
0:03:48 > 0:03:51and wastes no time calling to introduce himself.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Hello there, is that the London Guitar Centre?
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Hello, my name is Mr Grix, I'm an enforcement officer.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00I'm at your premises now.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03I don't know where you are cos the place is locked.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Right, are you in the vicinity, sir?
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Right, well, we are here to execute a High Court writ.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10I did come here previously and leave paperwork.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Nobody has got in touch with me
0:04:13 > 0:04:16so unless you can get somebody here in about the next 15, 20 minutes
0:04:16 > 0:04:18to open up, I am going to be employing locksmiths to effect an
0:04:18 > 0:04:23entry into the premises and I will be removing all the goods from within.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28OK, sir, thank you. Bye, bye.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30The manager gives Lawrence the mobile phone number
0:04:30 > 0:04:34of a second person, the owner, and says he needs to speak to him.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40But when Lawrence tries to call, the owner's phone is off.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Things aren't looking good for The London Guitar Centre.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49Lawrence is fast losing patience and is ready to call in a locksmith.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52He tries the owner's number one last time.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57And this time, he gets through.
0:04:57 > 0:04:58Hello there.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01The owner asks him to leave paperwork at the shop,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05detailing the money owed so he can then deal with the matter.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08But given he ignored the papers left on their last visit,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11he's hitting all the wrong notes with Lawrence.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15No, I can't, sir, because I came here before, I left paperwork,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17you haven't been in touch at all.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20With all due respect, you could just be spinning me a line now.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23I'm not saying that you are but you have made no attempt to
0:05:23 > 0:05:26get in touch with me so, if you are not able to come here,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I am going to call out locksmiths and effect entry
0:05:29 > 0:05:32and I will be removing all the goods from the premises today.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Surprisingly, despite the prospect of his shop soon being emptied,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41the owner maintains he isn't prepared to pay today.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Calling a sheriff's bluff is never a good idea.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Lawrence decides it's time to get this removal started.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51OK. Bye, bye.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- Did he say, "Take them?"- Yeah.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Well, he didn't say, "Take them," but he's got no choice, has he?
0:05:56 > 0:06:00But as they prepare to phone the locksmith, the first man they spoke
0:06:00 > 0:06:05to, the guitar shop manager, calls again with an unexpected offer.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07OK, lovely.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Not wanting the sheriffs to force entry,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11he's willing to come and open up for them
0:06:11 > 0:06:15to remove enough goods from his shop to pay the full amount owed to Emma.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19The other fellow's on his way.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21If his offer proves genuine,
0:06:21 > 0:06:26this enforcement just got a lot more straightforward for the sheriffs.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27So now is the long wait.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31There's nothing for Lawrence and Kev to do
0:06:31 > 0:06:36but soak up the sights and sounds of London's West End.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40We'll find out later if the manager does indeed turn up.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52The parking industry is a common port of call for the sheriffs,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55who often find themselves trying to help the victims of clampers
0:06:55 > 0:06:57recover the money they're owed.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Well, at this stage the writ is live.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01But today,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05they have a very different type of dispute to resolve.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Northern sheriffs, Pete Spencer
0:07:08 > 0:07:11and Dave Lockwood are on their way to Leeds
0:07:11 > 0:07:13to visit a parking company
0:07:13 > 0:07:17who have failed to settle a debt owed to a former employee.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21We're off to a company called UKCPS Ltd in Leeds.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25It's an employment tribunal case and we're looking to collect today.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29All it says is work vans and cars are kept at this address
0:07:29 > 0:07:32so whether or not they're there when we arrive
0:07:32 > 0:07:35or it's just a registered address that they use,
0:07:35 > 0:07:36we won't know till we get there.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46The man they're trying to help is Charles Senior, also from Leeds.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Charles worked as a team leader for a parking company for eight years.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53When this job folded he then found a more a frontline role
0:07:53 > 0:07:57as a ticket inspector for car park management company UKCPS Ltd.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08It was a difficult job, which at times he found very challenging...
0:08:08 > 0:08:11You were face to face with more aggression
0:08:11 > 0:08:14but it's a matter of just learning to walk away from that aggression
0:08:14 > 0:08:17and to carry on with what you're supposed to be doing.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21..but one which he worked hard at to raise money for his family
0:08:21 > 0:08:25and grew to like over the year and a half he worked there.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26I used to have to work...
0:08:26 > 0:08:30I more or less worked anything from a five- to a six-day week
0:08:30 > 0:08:32to make a living.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35I enjoyed the job cos, once you were out on the road,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39you were your own boss sort of thing, you didn't get bothered by anybody.
0:08:39 > 0:08:45Charles's troubles began when, out of nowhere, UKCPS Ltd asked him
0:08:45 > 0:08:46to sign a new contract,
0:08:46 > 0:08:51agreeing to a £750 excess on his company vehicle insurance.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Feeling this was an unfair arrangement,
0:08:54 > 0:08:55Charles said he wouldn't sign it
0:08:55 > 0:08:59and was told he would have to work night shifts as a result.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02When he refused, the company informed him
0:09:02 > 0:09:05his services were no longer required.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07I said, "Well, no, I won't work night times
0:09:07 > 0:09:10"because it's not in my contract to work on a night time."
0:09:10 > 0:09:13It were only up to a certain time.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17They said, "In that case, if you're not prepared to work nights,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20"you'd best bring your uniform and camera back to the office."
0:09:20 > 0:09:23And dismissed me there and then on the spot.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27I felt wrongly treated by the fact that I'd been dismissed
0:09:27 > 0:09:32there and then for something that shouldn't have happened, really.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35While disappointed to have lost his job, Charles was even more
0:09:35 > 0:09:40shocked to learn he wouldn't receive any redundancy or notice pay.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44Unable to find work and with no money to tide him over,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47his financial situation quickly became dire.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Of course I was worried about money.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52I've got a home and bills like everybody else.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57I was just getting basic Jobseeker's Allowance,
0:09:57 > 0:09:59so it was a very bad time for us.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03'Christmas that year was a bad time for us because at the time'
0:10:03 > 0:10:06I had one young grandchild which I wanted to buy gifts for.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09I couldn't buy gifts for my wife or anybody.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16Angry at how UKCPS Ltd had treated him, but unsure of his rights,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Charles turned to the Citizens Advice Bureau.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21I got some advice from them and
0:10:21 > 0:10:24they helped guide me through everything.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29'From just writing a letter to them appealing against the decision'
0:10:29 > 0:10:31to taking it on from there.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Learning he had a case for unfair dismissal, Charles made
0:10:36 > 0:10:41the daunting decision to take UKCPS Ltd to an employment tribunal.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44When the case was contested in court,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46the company argued they'd done nothing wrong.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48However, a judge disagreed
0:10:48 > 0:10:52and ruled Charles had indeed been unfairly dismissed.
0:10:52 > 0:10:59He ordered UKCPS Ltd to pay Charles £7,075 in compensation
0:10:59 > 0:11:02and strongly criticised the way they'd treated him.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06He made a few comments about UKCPS saying they were a company
0:11:06 > 0:11:09from back in the Dark Ages, they didn't have a clue as to what they
0:11:09 > 0:11:13were doing with regards to procedure and disciplinarily procedures.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18But despite the court order, the company still failed to pay up.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21His last hope of getting the money owed to him
0:11:21 > 0:11:23now rests with Pete and Dave
0:11:23 > 0:11:26who are being chauffeured today by Pete's partner Lisa.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29The enforcement address is...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32this is where the work's vans and cars are kept,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35at this address. I assume that's why we've been asked
0:11:35 > 0:11:39to attend that address. That's where the assets, potentially, will be.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Arriving at the address on the writ,
0:11:42 > 0:11:44it looks like they're in the right place.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46There's some vehicles in there.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52However, there's a problem.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55That's it. UKCPS.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57So, how do we get in there?
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Must be another way round.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06Several of UKCPS Ltd's vehicles are parked tantalisingly in view
0:12:06 > 0:12:09but inside a compound with no obvious route in.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13I don't know if we can get through, you know, looking at it.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Needing to find another way in,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Pete tries his luck at the building next door.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19Open all day.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25If necessary, sheriffs have the right
0:12:25 > 0:12:28to force entry to commercial premises.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Pete. UKCPS is here.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41It's looking like Dave Lockwood may need to practise his fence climbing.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43But then Pete notices something.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45And they're in.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50But is there anybody around to deal with them?
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Hiya, you OK?
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Looking for UKCPS Ltd.
0:12:57 > 0:12:58No?
0:13:00 > 0:13:02They are the vans, aren't they?
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Whoever owns these vans, I need to speak to.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Is he not?
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Is anyone in at all?
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Pete, it's this gentleman I think you need to speak to.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15No?
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Is anyone about from there?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Who are you? Are you to do with the company?
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- I am, yeah.- OK.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- What's your position? - I'm operations manager. Why?
0:13:27 > 0:13:31At this point, we're asked to leave as Pete explains they've come
0:13:31 > 0:13:34to collect the full amount owed to Charles
0:13:34 > 0:13:37or the company's vehicles will be seized.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Stuck between a rock and a hard place, with two sheriffs
0:13:40 > 0:13:44ready to pounce, the man says he needs to make a phone call.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46It's exactly what Pete wants to hear.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52Half an hour later, Pete and Dave emerge
0:13:52 > 0:13:56and it seems their tough stance has had the desired effect.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Another member of staff has brought a debit card down to the office
0:14:00 > 0:14:02and the man's made a payment.
0:14:02 > 0:14:08The guy's paid 50% of the outstanding debt at the moment.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10And he's looking to pay the other 50%
0:14:10 > 0:14:12over a period of three or four months.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Obviously if the client doesn't accept it,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17we'll be back for the full amount that's outstanding
0:14:17 > 0:14:20but we've seized four vehicles as well, so obviously
0:14:20 > 0:14:23if he doesn't keep the payments up or if it's not accepted,
0:14:23 > 0:14:28we'll be back out, and potential to remove the four vehicles.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32With £3,500 in the bank
0:14:32 > 0:14:36and a concrete arrangement to pay in place, it's a satisfying result
0:14:36 > 0:14:40for Pete and Dave and great news for Charles Senior.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41Absolutely brilliant, yeah,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44cos it has actually brought a company that wouldn't pay
0:14:44 > 0:14:48and would have had no intention of paying me, they have actually
0:14:48 > 0:14:52got them thinking now that they are having to start and pay something.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55So the final result on that is marvellous.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Back in Central London, Lawrence and Kev
0:15:06 > 0:15:09are still in Leicester Square, waiting for the guitar shop manager
0:15:09 > 0:15:12who's offered to come and open up for them.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14They're planning to remove enough goods from the shop
0:15:14 > 0:15:17to settle the debt owed to Emma.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22She sold a valuable vintage guitar - a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster -
0:15:22 > 0:15:24through the London Guitar Centre
0:15:24 > 0:15:27but never received a penny of the money.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30The manager's co-operative stance is not something the sheriffs
0:15:30 > 0:15:33encounter very often, if at all.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37There's a chance it could be nothing more than a time-wasting ruse.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38So, now is the long wait.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43But, as promised, after just over an hour,
0:15:43 > 0:15:48he arrives and invites them in to start seizing his guitar stock.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- Hi.- Hello there.- Come in.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52I'll just show you some ID.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58It's now simply a case of working out how many guitars
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Lawrence and Kev need to take to get Emma her money.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05How much is the amount for?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08It was £4,924.95
0:16:08 > 0:16:11but obviously there's an hour's waiting time to go on that now.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15With the manager's expert eye to guide them,
0:16:15 > 0:16:19Lawrence and Kev are eager to get started.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21However, there's a snag.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24The valuable electric guitars are all being sold
0:16:24 > 0:16:28on behalf of customers and so don't belong to the shop.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Electrics are a bit more robust to transport
0:16:31 > 0:16:33and they are obviously higher value.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34I mean, that is £950.
0:16:34 > 0:16:40There isn't a £950 acoustic guitar downstairs, is there? That's 1,200.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- They're all consignments.- You'll need to try and pay for those then.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48With the sheriffs unable to go electric, they need to make sure
0:16:48 > 0:16:53the more delicate acoustic guitars reach the auction in one piece.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Shall we go and get the bubble wrap out the van?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58We'll case them up. We've got cases for everything.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01As the guitars are likely to only fetch a fraction of their retail
0:17:01 > 0:17:06price at auction, being able to raise enough money isn't guaranteed.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11We're looking for... You're going to be looking at six grand.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15You've got auctioneer's costs. You'll be looking at six or seven grand.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19So, 13 at 300 is 4,000, isn't it?
0:17:25 > 0:17:29That's mine. 759 rubs.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Put that one on.- I think that's about it for that box.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38An added complication is that all the guitars have security tags,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41which must be removed before they leave the shop.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Let's do it the sensible way.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Just slacken the bloody string off, don't you?
0:17:46 > 0:17:48There's the engineer.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Might be out of tune.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53But it's off without damage.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Can't believe we haven't taken one of these. Got to have one of them.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Hang on.
0:18:00 > 0:18:01GUITAR OUT OF TUNE Perfect.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03That was perfect, yeah.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Finally, with the walls of the shop growing bare,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Lawrence thinks they're getting close to the required amount.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12We are getting there. We still need...
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Is there anything else you'd recommend here?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17We've still got quite a way to go yet.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19You've got quite a lot here.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20If there's a couple of guitars
0:18:20 > 0:18:25that are sort of 300-ish each, that might do it.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28With the last guitar safely de-tagged and wrapped,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31this seizure is bringing back musical memories for Kev.
0:18:33 > 0:18:34Are you a guitar player yourself?
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- I used to.- Yeah?
0:18:36 > 0:18:39I used to, sort of, have a bash about.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41I don't know if it qualifies as playing.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42Making a noise.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51With that over, it's time to concentrate on the day job
0:18:51 > 0:18:52and loading up the van.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Removal of goods is the ultimate sanction sheriffs can impose.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00But on this occasion, they had no choice.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Unless the owner has a swift rethink and arranges to pay the debt
0:19:05 > 0:19:10himself, his valuable stock will be sold to the highest bidder.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Either way, it's a successful outcome for Lawrence and Kev,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18who have ensured Emma will get her money back.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22Ended up taking 23 guitars in total in the back of the van
0:19:22 > 0:19:24and they will be off to auction.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29So, yeah, taking guitars, gone and job well done.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33I would imagine it would cover well over what we were there to collect.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Obviously, you've got auction costs to go on top of that.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39The guitars probably won't make a retail price at auction
0:19:39 > 0:19:43but I think we seized enough to gather what monies we need.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It has been a textbook removal for the sheriffs,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49who are heading back to base to get these valuable guitars
0:19:49 > 0:19:51safely stored, ready for auction
0:19:51 > 0:19:55to raise funds to get Emma her money.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58The London Guitar Centre told us they thought the situation with
0:19:58 > 0:20:01former customer Emma was most unfortunate.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04They said the reason she hadn't been paid
0:20:04 > 0:20:07was because the shop had run into difficulties after becoming
0:20:07 > 0:20:10involved in a dispute with Westminster Council
0:20:10 > 0:20:11over business rates,
0:20:11 > 0:20:14which has severely restricted their ability to trade.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17They added that they hoped the sheriffs'
0:20:17 > 0:20:19removal of the guitars would provide
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Emma with the money she was chasing.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30As officers of the High Court,
0:20:30 > 0:20:35the sheriffs play a vital part in enforcing our legal system.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37There's a CCJ against each company
0:20:37 > 0:20:41and we're here today to seize assets sufficient to clear that debt.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43I haven't got anything here, look.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45But it's also a job that can draw them
0:20:45 > 0:20:49into disputes that prove to be far from black and white.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52This morning, sheriffs Lawrence and Kev are on their way
0:20:52 > 0:20:54to just such a case,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57tasked with enforcing a live High Court writ
0:20:57 > 0:21:00against a boss of a taxi firm in Essex.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Twenty to seven in the morning,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06we're just coming into an address in Basildon.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10We're looking for Essex Minibuses, part of Sky Transfers Group Ltd.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12We're actually coming to the residential address,
0:21:12 > 0:21:16which is why we're here at this time to day, to catch them before they go to work.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18The people they're trying to help
0:21:18 > 0:21:21are Martin and Donna Bradley from Basildon in Essex.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Their problems started when Martin decided to change careers
0:21:27 > 0:21:29and become a cab driver.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33Driving past a local taxi firm, Sky Transfers,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36he decided to investigate job vacancies.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40I saw a sign outside the premises where they were
0:21:40 > 0:21:43and thought...
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Well, it was local so I thought I'd try my luck.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Martin worked for Sky Transfers and Essex Minibuses,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52both run by Colin Bland.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55He seemed like a very nice guy, a decent guy.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Yeah, he gave me a job on the spot
0:21:57 > 0:22:00and thought everything was hunky dory.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Martin enjoyed his work, driving people to London's airports.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10For me, it was just the perfect job.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14I worked the night shift and the roads are so clear.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Wonderful to go round the M25
0:22:18 > 0:22:20at three and four o'clock in the morning.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24When there's no-one else on the road.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26At first, all was fine.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Until after five months working for Essex Minibuses,
0:22:29 > 0:22:31payment began to dry up.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35We was getting dribbles of money, little bit here, little bit there
0:22:35 > 0:22:38and, you know, it just got worse and worse,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41we were getting into more and more debt.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47Worried by the lack of pay, Martin thought about resigning.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Didn't know whether to sort of cut and run.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Obviously if I'd left I'd have been out of work,
0:22:56 > 0:22:57so that wasn't an option.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02I just carried on and carried on working and just getting more
0:23:02 > 0:23:04and more in debt.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07You know, and it was a really stressful time.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10But worse was to come.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14Colin Bland wrote to Martin, informing him he was winding up
0:23:14 > 0:23:19the company and making all the drivers, including him, redundant.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21It was horrible when I lost my job.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25We sat in the living room with our head in our hands
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and we didn't know where to go.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32You know? It wasn't just the money, I'd lost my job.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Martin believed he was owed several months' wages,
0:23:36 > 0:23:41as well as redundancy money. But Mr Bland didn't agree to pay this.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44The loss of earnings had a serious impact on the Bradleys
0:23:44 > 0:23:48and their four children at a difficult time.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49Pretty much wrecked their Christmas.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53We borrowed money to get over that and we still owe that money.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56You go to work, you expect to be paid for it.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00And I'm afraid that just wasn't the case.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Our youngest is 13 now.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06If you work, they think you get paid for it.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08And trying to explain to them that you've got no money
0:24:08 > 0:24:13to pay for things is very difficult and it can be very upsetting.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16And it does, it affects everybody, the whole family.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22After closing Essex Minibuses, as he was legally entitled to do,
0:24:22 > 0:24:26Colin Bland started up a new taxi business from the same offices,
0:24:26 > 0:24:28under a different name.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Frustrated, Martin and Donna took Mr Bland to an employment tribunal
0:24:32 > 0:24:36to recover the money they felt Martin was still owed.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Mr Bland didn't contest the tribunal
0:24:38 > 0:24:45and he and his company were ordered to pay the Bradleys £2,241.52.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48But this was far from the end of the matter.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Mr Bland strongly disagreed with the judge's verdict
0:24:51 > 0:24:53and refused to pay up.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56At this point, the Bradleys turned to the sheriffs.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04They're now relying on Lawrence and Kev to do what they do best.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Arriving at the Blands' house, they head in.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11But before they've even knocked on the door,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Lawrence spots a potentially seizable asset.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17He makes sure it's going nowhere fast.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18Kev.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- Go and get the van and block it in.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26I'm just waiting for a second now just for Kev to get the van
0:25:26 > 0:25:28and block this car in before we knock on the door.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Kev secures the car. With it blocked in,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34it's time for the sheriffs to make their presence felt.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38But not before Kev has sought the approval for his motoring skills
0:25:38 > 0:25:41of ex-driving instructor Lawrence.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44See that reversing round there? That was skills, that was.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- Yeah. Proper bit of driving. - Can't teach that.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50I used to.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52When I was a driving instructor.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Morning. I'm looking for Colin or Nina Bland.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00I'm here today to execute a writ on behalf of a Mr M Bradley.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02We're here to seize goods to the value of...
0:26:02 > 0:26:07Would you like to get your husband on the phone so that he can come back and pay it?
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Mrs Bland gets through to husband Colin and passes the phone across
0:26:11 > 0:26:15to Lawrence, to introduce himself and explain why they are there.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Hello there, sir. My name's Mr Grix, I'm a High Court enforcement officer.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22You were found liable at an employment tribunal.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Did you attend the employment tribunal?
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Right, well, your name is liable on the writ, sir.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33We're here today to collect £3,101.67 and we're here today to seize goods
0:26:33 > 0:26:38to the value of, which will be removed if the amount isn't paid.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40OK?
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Right, Sky Transfers Group Ltd.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Right, well, that just leaves you and your wife then, sir.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Because you're named on the writ.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Mr Bland says he's already put an application in to the court
0:26:55 > 0:26:58to challenge aspects of the judgment.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00But with a High Court writ to enforce,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03this doesn't change the job Lawrence has been sent to do.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06As it is today, we're here with a live writ,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08an application doesn't prevent enforcement.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10So we're here to enforce this writ, which means
0:27:10 > 0:27:14unless we collect payment in full, we will be removing goods
0:27:14 > 0:27:18to the value of £3,101.67 from the property.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20He's gone. He's on his way back.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Soon after, Mr Bland arrives.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Hi, there. Hello there, sir.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28He says the court has made a mistake,
0:27:28 > 0:27:30and that as his was a limited company,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34neither he nor his wife should be held responsible for its debts.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Therefore, he says their personal names shouldn't be on the writ.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40I'll listen to what you've got to tell me, sir, I will always
0:27:40 > 0:27:43pay you the courtesy of doing that. However...
0:27:43 > 0:27:46it doesn't prevent us enforcing today.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48But Mr Bland doesn't want to go quietly.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- Do you want to come in and film this?- I'd love to, yeah.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Because this will be really good for you, OK?
0:27:54 > 0:27:58He asks us into his house so he can tell his side of the story.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Just so that you know,
0:28:01 > 0:28:08these people here have a misrepresented document.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11It's not their fault but it was actually done wrong at the courts,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14but they are here to actually try and enforce something
0:28:14 > 0:28:21which the employment tribunal has already told me was wrongly...
0:28:21 > 0:28:24has been corrected at their end, so therefore they're trying to enforce
0:28:24 > 0:28:27it on the wrong people.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30So it's a bit of a thing that may go a bit further on this one.
0:28:30 > 0:28:31If that doesn't get paid...
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Whatever the status of his own legal action,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37it won't prevent Lawrence enforcing today.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41Mr Bland realises his best option is to pay now
0:28:41 > 0:28:42and appeal the verdict later.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45You need to enter your PIN again.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- Right, that's gone through.- Yeah.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- There's your receipt for that. OK? - No problem.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55After paying the full amount by credit card,
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Mr Bland again decides to talk to us.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00We'll have to take more people to the airport now
0:29:00 > 0:29:02with Sky Transfers, won't we? A lot more.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05So, people, if you want to get to the airport from Essex,
0:29:05 > 0:29:07it's the cheapest way to get there.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10And we're doing a lot of work at the moment, we need you.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11We need your help, now.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14With full payment collected as ordered by the court,
0:29:14 > 0:29:16it's job done for Lawrence and Kev.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21The money will now be held by the sheriffs for 14 days,
0:29:21 > 0:29:23pending any further legal action.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Since we visited the home of Colin Bland,
0:29:30 > 0:29:34he later went back to court and obtained a stay of execution,
0:29:34 > 0:29:38stopping the sheriffs releasing his money to Martin and Donna Bradley.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41He argued that as his was a limited company,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45neither he nor his wife should be held responsible for its debts,
0:29:45 > 0:29:49and therefore their personal names shouldn't be on the writ,
0:29:49 > 0:29:51but only his company's, which is now dissolved.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55A judge ordered a new hearing to decide whether
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Mr Bland's argument was correct and the case should be set aside.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Finally, four months on, the Bradleys attended
0:30:02 > 0:30:07Croydon County Court for this hearing, along with Mr Bland.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10The new judge ruled Colin and Nina Bland's names shouldn't have
0:30:10 > 0:30:13been on the original writ and that the Bradleys would need to bring
0:30:13 > 0:30:18a new case against his company, the now dissolved Essex Minibuses,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21an action which is unlikely to succeed.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26For Martin and Donna, it was hugely disappointing news.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29It's been taking so long. It just wears you down.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34We're going to have to go away and think about this
0:30:34 > 0:30:36to see what we do next.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Anyone managing to obtain a County Court judgment
0:30:47 > 0:30:52of over £600, can upgrade it to the High Court and get a writ.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Hello, I'm an enforcement officer
0:30:55 > 0:30:58and I'm here to execute a High Court writ.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02The Sheriff's enforce over 1,000 High Court writs every month...
0:31:02 > 0:31:03I'm an enforcement officer.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06I've got a High Court writ to attend here today.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09..and recover over £24 million of money rightfully owed
0:31:09 > 0:31:11to their clients every year.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16We are here today to collect £20,741 and a penny.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Only sheriffs can execute High Court writs and it gives them more
0:31:20 > 0:31:24powers than County Court bailiffs to enter properties and seize assets.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26It needs to be done by immediate payment,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29so we cannot leave until that money hits our bank account.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32I'm coming in any way today, whether you let me in or not.
0:31:32 > 0:31:33If no payment is forthcoming,
0:31:33 > 0:31:37sheriffs can seize goods to auction to pay off debts...
0:31:37 > 0:31:39At the moment, we've seized every vehicle on here.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41..although removing goods is rare,
0:31:41 > 0:31:43happening in less than 1% of cases.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45You're not going to be able to leave at the moment.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47I've just seized this aircraft.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50These days, a High Court writ costs £60.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51If the Sheriff's are successful,
0:31:51 > 0:31:53there's nothing more for the client to pay.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55That's the cash, there.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59If they're unsuccessful, the only cost is a £60 admin fee.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02Hallelujah. Hey?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Today, Sheriffs, Pete Spencer and Dave Crabtree,
0:32:09 > 0:32:14are heading to Blackpool, for a follow-up visit at a seaside hotel.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17They're going there on behalf of a disabled former guest,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20left so dissatisfied with the service he received,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22he went to court to get his money back.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26The New President Hotel didn't contest the case,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29and a judge ordered them to pay the disabled guest,
0:32:29 > 0:32:34who wishes to remain anonymous, £1,095 in compensation and costs.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38But not one penny has since been paid.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45I've been here, previously.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49The defendant's name was actually in a different name last time
0:32:49 > 0:32:51when I attended.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53What they've obviously done, is they've taken it back
0:32:53 > 0:32:59and got the defendant's name plus the limited company name, as well.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03She has been sent a copy of the new order, supposedly, according to this.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09Last time Pete was here, he listed all the goods inside the hotel
0:33:09 > 0:33:14but the owner, Emma Walsh, claimed nothing belonged to her,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17but instead, to a limited company, East View Leisure.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Now with this company also on his high court writ, Pete's going
0:33:22 > 0:33:26back to finish what he started and won't be taking no for an answer.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Time to head inside and ring for service.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37Hiya. Mrs Walsh? Enforcement officers from the High Court.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39We've got a High Court writ to attend here today.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- Can you get her on the phone if possible?- I'll try.- Thank you.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46The receptionist says the owner, Mrs Walsh, isn't around.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48You need to get hold of her.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53We are removing goods today, so she needs to be in touch.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55- Just bear with me.- OK.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58While the receptionist tries to get the owner on the phone,
0:33:58 > 0:34:03Dave gets on with the familiar task of sizing up the hotel's assets.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07I've actually listed all the beds and TVs here, previously.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11Meanwhile, the hotel's accountant turns up to talk to Pete.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- Good afternoon.- All right? Do you want to come through?- That's fine.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18He doesn't wish to be identified and so, not to
0:34:18 > 0:34:22get in the way of the sheriff's work, our camera stays out the way.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25While Dave sizes up any assets on site,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28next door, Pete gets straight to the point
0:34:28 > 0:34:31on behalf of the disgruntled disabled guest.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35I've been previously and I spoke to Mrs Walsh.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36We're back again, unfortunately,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38to collect full payment or remove goods.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42It's important to get her down here or get in touch with her.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45The accountant says the owner is at the dentist and won't be back
0:34:45 > 0:34:49until the afternoon, and he has no means of paying.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51This isn't good enough for Pete, who's staying put
0:34:51 > 0:34:55until he's got the former guest his money.
0:34:55 > 0:34:56They've been given an hour.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00They get the hour free when we arrive and after that, they've been advised
0:35:00 > 0:35:03they're going to get charged £191.50 plus VAT per hour
0:35:03 > 0:35:05for us being here.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07We will start unplugging the computer systems
0:35:07 > 0:35:11within the next 15 minutes, if they haven't come up with the payment.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16With the minutes ticking by, Pete and Dave take the time
0:35:16 > 0:35:19to work out what goods will be best to remove.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- There's tables, isn't there? - We can't fit them in the van, Dave.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26And this looks like being a big removal for the sheriffs.
0:35:27 > 0:35:28Big hotel, isn't it?
0:35:30 > 0:35:34But just in time, a woman arrives with a bank card and agrees to pay.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40So Dave fires up the trusty chip and pin machine.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Meanwhile, our camera is asked to stay outside.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48It's declined it, Pete.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52But the payment won't go through.
0:35:52 > 0:35:53Sometimes they can be a bit funny.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Sometimes, if you put two numbers in,
0:35:55 > 0:35:57they think something suspicious is going off.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00They sometimes query it and knock them back.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04Finally, the woman tries a different card and the payment goes through.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11With their mission complete, it's checkout time for the sheriffs,
0:36:11 > 0:36:14and payment in full for the former guest.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18Yeah, that's a good one. Paid in full on a credit card.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23Erm, it did come down to potentially unplugging the computers,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26giving the option to put things on a memory stick.
0:36:26 > 0:36:32Yeah, good. Payment in full, 265807 with the card charge on there,
0:36:32 > 0:36:35so...the claimant will be happy with that one.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46Today, sheriffs Lawrence and Kev are on the road again,
0:36:46 > 0:36:50heading just north of London to a commercial cleaning company
0:36:50 > 0:36:54who haven't paid a member of staff the money he was entitled to.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57We're on our way to Welwyn Garden City now,
0:36:57 > 0:37:00to a company called New Green Services Limited.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02It's an employment tribunal matter.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05The man they're trying to help is Kieran Hook,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08who, after being let go by New Green Services,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12didn't receive the notice or holiday pay owed to him.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14He took the case to an employment tribunal,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and when the company didn't contest it,
0:37:17 > 0:37:22a judge ordered them to pay Kieran Hook £1,250.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25But New Green Services have since failed to do so.
0:37:30 > 0:37:35Any chance of getting his money now rests with Lawrence and Kev.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38We're going to what looks like a business address,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41a unit in a business centre, so hopefully,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44we'll find some company assets there.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48The address the sheriffs have is an industrial estate
0:37:48 > 0:37:51with several different businesses trading.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53As they arrive on site and park up,
0:37:53 > 0:37:57locating the company they're after is the priority.
0:37:57 > 0:37:58Let's get in there.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Lawrence and Kev head straight to main reception.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08New Green Services Limited.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Hello, there. We're enforcement officers. We've got a High Court writ for them.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16A woman appears at the front desk who wants to talk to them.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- Are you from New Green? - You're from New Green?- Yeah.- Right.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23The female employee doesn't wish to be identified, and so,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25not wanting to get in the way of the sheriffs' work,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28we keep our camera pointing down.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32OK, we've got a High Court writ on behalf of a Kieran Hook.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36It's an employment tribunal that's been transferred to the High Court.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39The amount outstanding is £2,112.27
0:38:39 > 0:38:42and we're here today to seize goods to clear that debt.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- Right, OK, well...- You can prevent further action by paying in full.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48OK, can I ask you guys to wait here?
0:38:48 > 0:38:50The female employee says she's aware of the debt
0:38:50 > 0:38:54but it's someone else at the company who's dealing with it.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57She asks Lawrence and Kev to wait at reception
0:38:57 > 0:38:59while she goes to speak to him.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01This isn't good enough for Lawrence.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Now he knows he's in the right place,
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Lawrence isn't prepared to wait around.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09We're ordered here to seize goods by the court,
0:39:09 > 0:39:12so that's what we have to do, and we'd be in contempt of court
0:39:12 > 0:39:14if we didn't do it.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Once inside the company office,
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Lawrence outlines to the woman the methods of payment he'll accept.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Cleared funds, so it can be credit card or debit card
0:39:23 > 0:39:27but whoever is the cardholder would have to be present to do a chip and PIN payment.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Or cash.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32With the boss on his way,
0:39:32 > 0:39:36Lawrence and Kev get on with listing assets that could, if necessary,
0:39:36 > 0:39:41be removed and sold to pay the debt owed to former employee Kieran Hook.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Minutes later, with everything in his office already seized,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49including a signed Manchester United shirt,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52the company boss, Edward Dixon, arrives.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55But will he be able to settle the debt?
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- Is it?- Yeah.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02He's come with a confession and, more importantly, his bank card.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Mr Dixon agrees to pay in full.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19I don't know. It's saying "connecting"...
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Still mucking about, isn't it?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24So near and yet so far.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26The payment isn't going through.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30No, see, it's come up as declined but it hasn't declined for...
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- Shall I try this card? - ..for normal... No, it's a problem with the, erm...
0:40:35 > 0:40:39It's a problem with either this machine or the card company.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43If he wants payment, Lawrence has no choice
0:40:43 > 0:40:46but to contact the card machine's control centre.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49The terminal's showing a false signal and it still won't connect,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52and it's just come up declined again but it's not...
0:40:52 > 0:40:55It's declined cos it can't connect, it's not declined cos of lack of funds.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Time for another go.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Fingers crossed!
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Connection made! Look at that.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05Marvellous!
0:41:05 > 0:41:10This time, to Lawrence's delight, the payment goes through.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Transaction complete.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14There's your copy of that and I'll leave you in peace.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16OK, thanks.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Just 40 minutes since they walked in,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Lawrence and Kev are walking out
0:41:21 > 0:41:23with the full amount owed to Kieran Hook.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26It's a great result for the sheriffs.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29£2,112.27.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31So, yeah... No...
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Another successful one. Can't argue with that.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36When we eventually got the PDQ machine working,
0:41:36 > 0:41:39just needed all rebooting. Just turn it off and then on.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45New Green Services told us they had not been made aware of the tribunal hearing,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48and therefore had not submitted a defence.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52They added they had no intention of not paying the court judgment,
0:41:52 > 0:41:56and once they realised it was unpaid, they paid it immediately.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Since Lawrence and Kev visited the London Guitar Centre
0:42:01 > 0:42:04and seized 23 valuable instruments,
0:42:04 > 0:42:08the company hasn't made any payments to settle the debt they owe.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12The sheriffs have now put the guitars up for auction,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14through an online auction site.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17The money raised will go to paying off
0:42:17 > 0:42:21the £3,120 owed to former customer Emma.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23That's the money she was owed by the company
0:42:23 > 0:42:28when they sold her 1959 Fender Jazzmaster guitar.