Episode 5

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0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Meet the sheriffs. - Let's go and introduce ourselves.

0:00:04 > 0:00:06I'm a High Court enforcement officer.

0:00:06 > 0:00:08We're here to execute 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 from doing my job.

0:00:13 > 0:00:16If you've been ripped off, and don't know where to turn...

0:00:16 > 0:00:17I'm not waiting.

0:00:17 > 0:00:21I'm ordered to seize goods to clear this debt, which would mean clearing this place out.

0:00:21 > 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 > 0:00:29This is an absolute crock. You need to pay this.

0:00:29 > 0:00:33..the High Court enforcement officers are charged by law

0:00:33 > 0:00:35to recover what a court says is rightfully yours...

0:00:35 > 0:00:36I've seized your car, sir.

0:00:36 > 0:00:39Let us through the door, or we'll go through the window.

0:00:39 > 0:00:40Whoa, whoa, whoa.

0:00:40 > 0:00:43- ..it's time to call the sheriffs! - ..collected 42 grand.

0:00:46 > 0:00:48Coming up...

0:00:48 > 0:00:53..Adrian Skeats paid £3,000 for a car, but got a load of problems.

0:00:53 > 0:00:56He was blatantly... Take my money and sell me a car.

0:00:56 > 0:00:59It's not two weeks old. It's full of problems.

0:01:00 > 0:01:03Can the sheriffs get him his money back?

0:01:03 > 0:01:05We'll have to get him on the phone while we're here.

0:01:05 > 0:01:09If we can't, we're going to remove goods.

0:01:09 > 0:01:12Pete's attempts to unpaid wages from a roofer

0:01:12 > 0:01:14sees the debtor hit the ceiling.

0:01:14 > 0:01:17He tried to knock our teeth out. Says, "I'm going to kill you."

0:01:17 > 0:01:19So police can deal with him now.

0:01:21 > 0:01:25And sheriffs Lawrence and Kev stand their ground chasing up a debt in Kent.

0:01:26 > 0:01:29We're here today to remove goods from the premises to clear his debt.

0:01:29 > 0:01:32- I'd suggest you stay outside. - No.

0:01:38 > 0:01:41It's 5.30am in Stockport.

0:01:41 > 0:01:46Sheriffs Pete Spencer and Dave Crabtree are visiting Burgess Roofing Services.

0:01:46 > 0:01:53They employed Conrad Money as a site supervisor for 15 years before he was made redundant.

0:01:53 > 0:01:57He wasn't given any notice or redundancy money.

0:01:57 > 0:02:02£3,000 in holiday pay and pension contributions were also withheld.

0:02:04 > 0:02:06Conrad took legal action.

0:02:06 > 0:02:10But Burgess Roofing Services settled out of court,

0:02:10 > 0:02:13agreeing to £15,000 being paid to Conrad over six months.

0:02:13 > 0:02:18But despite this agreement, not one payment has been made.

0:02:18 > 0:02:20The case went back to court,

0:02:20 > 0:02:25and a judge ordered Burgess Roofing to give Conrad his money back.

0:02:25 > 0:02:29And this morning, Pete already has some valuable assets in his sights

0:02:29 > 0:02:32he'll seize if need be, to get Conrad his money.

0:02:32 > 0:02:36We believe there's some expensive motorbikes at the property.

0:02:36 > 0:02:40This morning, we've got some intelligence that they might

0:02:40 > 0:02:44be kept in the garage to the rear. Woke somebody up, I think.

0:02:46 > 0:02:50Pete and Dave are determined to get Conrad what he's owed.

0:02:54 > 0:02:58Pete finds the front entrance, and someone to greet him.

0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Good morning, Mr Burgess?- Yeah. - Enforcement officer from...

0:03:04 > 0:03:09Got an High Court writ, regarding a Conrad Money. Conrad Money.

0:03:13 > 0:03:15KNOCKS ON DOOR

0:03:15 > 0:03:18Mr Burgess is far from pleased with this early morning visit.

0:03:19 > 0:03:26As Pete explains what he's come for, we're asked to leave...but continue filming from the pavement.

0:03:26 > 0:03:29It's £24,220.60 outstanding.

0:03:29 > 0:03:34That's what we've been ordered by the High Court judge to collect today.

0:03:34 > 0:03:36Some garages to the rear, I believe, are yours.

0:03:36 > 0:03:39There's motorcycles in there. Do they belong to you?

0:03:39 > 0:03:41DOOR CLOSES

0:03:41 > 0:03:44This defendant doesn't seem keen to pay up.

0:03:44 > 0:03:47Getting nowhere at the front door, the sheriffs badly need

0:03:47 > 0:03:50some leverage and go in search of the motorbikes.

0:03:52 > 0:03:55Neither of them are prepared for what happens next.

0:03:56 > 0:04:00Mr Burgess tries to forcibly remove Dave from the property.

0:04:06 > 0:04:09He then threatens to knock his teeth out.

0:04:11 > 0:04:13With the situation rapidly deteriorating,

0:04:13 > 0:04:16Pete decides it's best to call the police.

0:04:16 > 0:04:18I'm a High Court enforcement officer.

0:04:18 > 0:04:22We're actually being threatened by the defendant at the moment.

0:04:22 > 0:04:24He's threatening to knock our teeth out. Knock us out.

0:04:24 > 0:04:27I do need assistance, as soon as possible, please.

0:04:27 > 0:04:29He threatened to knock our teeth out.

0:04:29 > 0:04:32- Sort of aimed at you, wasn't it? - Yeah.- Rather than me.

0:04:32 > 0:04:36- He went to get hold of me, round there.- Says, "I'm going to kill you."

0:04:36 > 0:04:39End of the day, police need to deal with him now.

0:04:39 > 0:04:43Unfazed by the seething Mr Burgess's threats,

0:04:43 > 0:04:47Pete goes back into the garden and calmly explains the law is on his side.

0:04:47 > 0:04:50I'm staying here. I'm got the authority to be here.

0:04:50 > 0:04:52I've got a High Court writ which is live.

0:04:52 > 0:04:55You're stopping me from doing my job. It's an arrestable offence.

0:04:55 > 0:04:57The police will deal with you when they arrive.

0:04:57 > 0:05:01With the threat to murder them on hold, Mr Burgess changes tack

0:05:01 > 0:05:05and insists as the claim is against his business, not him personally,

0:05:05 > 0:05:08the sheriffs have no right to be there.

0:05:08 > 0:05:11Pete disagrees. And has the paperwork to prove it.

0:05:11 > 0:05:18Let me show you. The writ from the High Court in your personal name at this address.

0:05:18 > 0:05:22As Mr Burgess storms back inside and with the police en route,

0:05:22 > 0:05:26all Pete and Dave can do is sit and wait for them to arrive.

0:05:26 > 0:05:30Later we'll see whether they can get any money back for Conrad.

0:05:39 > 0:05:43Sheriffs can go anywhere in England and Wales to execute writs.

0:05:43 > 0:05:48It's a job that takes them all over the country.

0:05:48 > 0:05:51Today, Sheriffs Marc Newton and Tony Smith are on the South Coast,

0:05:51 > 0:05:55on their way to visit a second-hand car garage in Portsmouth

0:05:55 > 0:05:57called the Low Mileage Centre.

0:05:58 > 0:05:59A quick five-mile journey.

0:06:02 > 0:06:06Marc and Tony have little information about the dealership

0:06:06 > 0:06:10apart from the fact the owner is a Mr Dave Morley who's 45 years old.

0:06:10 > 0:06:14Hopefully we'll get someone at this premises.

0:06:14 > 0:06:17If not, we'll just sit and wait for a little while until it does open.

0:06:20 > 0:06:23The sheriffs are attending on behalf of Adrian Skeats,

0:06:23 > 0:06:26a self-employed bricklayer, also from Portsmouth.

0:06:26 > 0:06:28He travels widely for work

0:06:28 > 0:06:32and a reliable car has always been an essential tool of his trade.

0:06:32 > 0:06:33I always need my car.

0:06:33 > 0:06:38Without a car, there's no point me having any tools.

0:06:38 > 0:06:40No car, no work, basically.

0:06:42 > 0:06:46Deciding to upgrade to a new car was therefore a major investment,

0:06:46 > 0:06:48which made it all the more galling

0:06:48 > 0:06:53when he was sold a dud packed full of problems.

0:06:53 > 0:06:57It's left him out of pocket for repairs, dragged through the courts

0:06:57 > 0:07:00and desperately in need of the sheriffs' help.

0:07:00 > 0:07:02I just spent all my money on a nightmare.

0:07:09 > 0:07:11When he decided he wanted a new car,

0:07:11 > 0:07:14Adrian searched numerous local showrooms

0:07:14 > 0:07:15looking for the perfect vehicle.

0:07:15 > 0:07:19And it wasn't long before he thought he'd found it.

0:07:19 > 0:07:23The showroom in question was the Low Mileage Centre in Portsmouth.

0:07:23 > 0:07:26When I first saw the car, I liked it.

0:07:26 > 0:07:28It was a reasonably good price.

0:07:28 > 0:07:32It had one lady owner, full service history, very low mileage...

0:07:32 > 0:07:34Can't go wrong.

0:07:35 > 0:07:38Adrian paid a £1,600 deposit

0:07:38 > 0:07:41and five days later, turned up to collect the car

0:07:41 > 0:07:45and pay the remainder of the £3,800 cost.

0:07:45 > 0:07:49But when they produced it, all was far from right.

0:07:49 > 0:07:51When they brought it round the front,

0:07:51 > 0:07:54that's when I noticed a lot of damage on the door.

0:07:54 > 0:07:56I questioned it straightaway,

0:07:56 > 0:08:00and they said, "Bring it back in three days and we'll fix it."

0:08:01 > 0:08:06Adrian agreed to return the car for repair and paid in full.

0:08:06 > 0:08:09But before it was time to take it back in,

0:08:09 > 0:08:12he started noticing other even more serious faults.

0:08:12 > 0:08:16When I parked the car up, the steering wheel was at an angle,

0:08:16 > 0:08:19and that's when I noticed that the tyres were bald.

0:08:19 > 0:08:20And the tracking was out.

0:08:20 > 0:08:25We noticed that the windscreen wasn't fitted to the panel.

0:08:25 > 0:08:28They've glued the panel to the windscreen.

0:08:28 > 0:08:32That windscreen has to be fitted correctly to protect the airbag.

0:08:32 > 0:08:36So my passenger has no safety.

0:08:36 > 0:08:39The windscreen at the back here leaks.

0:08:39 > 0:08:41The water went over all the electrics in the back here,

0:08:41 > 0:08:43and there's water damage.

0:08:43 > 0:08:46And then there's just a multitude of bits and pieces

0:08:46 > 0:08:50going wrong with the car.

0:08:50 > 0:08:52After the three or four days, I said,

0:08:52 > 0:08:54"That's it, I want my money back."

0:08:57 > 0:09:00But the Low Mileage Centre point-blank refused

0:09:00 > 0:09:01to return his money.

0:09:01 > 0:09:05Needing to know just how bad a condition the vehicle was in,

0:09:05 > 0:09:09Adrian took it to an official Mercedes garage for a health check.

0:09:09 > 0:09:11All the red show up a failure,

0:09:11 > 0:09:14and the yellow should be on the advisory list -

0:09:14 > 0:09:16the exhaust, the suspension, the steering,

0:09:16 > 0:09:18I mean, that was both of them,

0:09:18 > 0:09:20and then the tyres.

0:09:21 > 0:09:26A red mark indicates a problem so serious that in the Mercedes garage's opinion,

0:09:26 > 0:09:29it would cause the car to fail its MOT.

0:09:29 > 0:09:33With health check in hand, Adrian confronted the Low Mileage Centre

0:09:33 > 0:09:36and demanded a full refund.

0:09:36 > 0:09:37I was very angry.

0:09:37 > 0:09:40Very angry that he thought that he could blatantly take my money

0:09:40 > 0:09:45and sell me a car that's going to cost half the price again to fix.

0:09:45 > 0:09:49I'm thinking, "I've just bought this off you, it's not two weeks old,

0:09:49 > 0:09:52"it's full of problems."

0:09:52 > 0:09:55He decided he had no option but to take the garage to court.

0:09:55 > 0:09:57With Adrian representing himself,

0:09:57 > 0:10:03the Low Mileage Centre's director, Dave Morley, contested the case.

0:10:03 > 0:10:06But the judge agreed with almost all of Adrian's points,

0:10:06 > 0:10:08and awarded in his favour.

0:10:10 > 0:10:12Despite this, Mr Morley still hasn't paid up.

0:10:12 > 0:10:16And having been forced to find the money himself to make repairs

0:10:16 > 0:10:21and with still more required, Adrian remains out of pocket.

0:10:22 > 0:10:24It was hard. It was hard.

0:10:24 > 0:10:26Because I spent most of my money on the car

0:10:26 > 0:10:30and now I'm faced with £1,500-£1,700 worth of repairs.

0:10:30 > 0:10:33Where am I going to get that money from?

0:10:33 > 0:10:38It's mind-boggling that he should be allowed to sell his cars like this.

0:10:38 > 0:10:40Desperate to get the money he's owed,

0:10:40 > 0:10:45Adrian's last hope of seeing it rests with the sheriffs.

0:10:47 > 0:10:51And so it is that Marc and Tony arrive at the Low Mileage Centre,

0:10:51 > 0:10:53which is very much open for business.

0:10:55 > 0:10:59As they head in, a figure exits out of the back door of the office,

0:10:59 > 0:11:02while a second older man is still inside -

0:11:02 > 0:11:04Marc's suspicions are aroused.

0:11:05 > 0:11:07Was that the owner making a swift getaway?

0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Geezer nipped out the back when we walked in.- Is it?- Yeah.

0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Is it?- I reckon. He's 45, isn't he?

0:11:16 > 0:11:18Before speaking to the man in the office,

0:11:18 > 0:11:20Marc wants to check something.

0:11:20 > 0:11:22Just hang around there and I'll walk down the back.

0:11:22 > 0:11:25Marc's sheriff's senses are tingling,

0:11:25 > 0:11:30but unfortunately the man matching the description of the owner has vanished.

0:11:31 > 0:11:36The sheriff's attention turns to the other man still in the sales office.

0:11:36 > 0:11:38Time for some introductions.

0:11:38 > 0:11:42It's about a High Court writ that's been issued for Low Mileage Centre.

0:11:45 > 0:11:49From a Mrs Webster and Mr Skeats.

0:11:49 > 0:11:53They've sent us here today to collect payment or remove goods.

0:11:53 > 0:11:58The man left holding the fort claims to know nothing about the case.

0:11:58 > 0:12:00With two sheriffs and a live writ on the premises,

0:12:00 > 0:12:05he needs to deal with it quickly or the dealership's vehicles will be seized.

0:12:05 > 0:12:07Right, first of all, I'm not anything to do with...

0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Well, I work here, but it's... - OK, yeah.

0:12:11 > 0:12:14So I need to tell...um...

0:12:15 > 0:12:18..my boss about this, basically, and he's not here.

0:12:18 > 0:12:22OK. You're going to need to give him a ring, while we're here.

0:12:22 > 0:12:26- Get him on the phone now, mate. - Yeah, while we're here.

0:12:26 > 0:12:29If you can't, we're going to remove goods.

0:12:29 > 0:12:35The seemingly-confused employee agrees to get his elusive boss on the phone.

0:12:35 > 0:12:40Meanwhile, Marc and Tony take the opportunity to browse the goods on display.

0:12:40 > 0:12:45That's clean, ain't got a scratch on it anywhere, either.

0:12:45 > 0:12:47- I like these.- Mm.- But...

0:12:47 > 0:12:51Wouldn't have one. They're proper juicy, in't they?

0:12:51 > 0:12:54Trying to sell me a BM as well as a Mini.

0:12:54 > 0:12:56You don't work here, and you're trying to sell me a car!

0:12:56 > 0:12:59With the minutes ticking by and no sign of the owner,

0:12:59 > 0:13:02the sheriffs may be forced to call for the tow trucks.

0:13:02 > 0:13:06Then Marc's called back into the sales office.

0:13:06 > 0:13:09Has the mysterious owner resurfaced?

0:13:10 > 0:13:14The employee tells Marc his boss won't be back until the afternoon

0:13:14 > 0:13:18but has given him his credit card number to make the payment.

0:13:18 > 0:13:21But there's still a problem. He doesn't have the card.

0:13:21 > 0:13:23I can't do that.

0:13:23 > 0:13:27- We've got a chip and PIN machine. - I have to have the card here.

0:13:27 > 0:13:31This car salesman doesn't seem too familiar with the concept of chip and PIN.

0:13:31 > 0:13:35Card goes in the machine and you just bang in the PIN number.

0:13:35 > 0:13:39For Marc and Tony, it's now a case of card or cars.

0:13:39 > 0:13:41Where is he? Is he far away?

0:13:41 > 0:13:44Time for another hasty phone call to the boss.

0:13:44 > 0:13:48Thanks. Right. Bye.

0:13:49 > 0:13:52Right, he's going to get somebody to drive the card to me.

0:13:52 > 0:13:53Yep. No problem.

0:13:55 > 0:13:59Half an hour later, as Tony continues his sales pitch to Marc in the showroom,

0:13:59 > 0:14:03unbeknownst to them, the credit card's been mysteriously delivered

0:14:03 > 0:14:05through the back of the office.

0:14:05 > 0:14:09I've got the card... It was dropped off round the back.

0:14:09 > 0:14:13They now have both the card and the PIN number.

0:14:13 > 0:14:16Still minus the owner.

0:14:16 > 0:14:21It's now a case of stick a PIN in it and it's done.

0:14:21 > 0:14:23Payment in full.

0:14:23 > 0:14:25Lovely.

0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Right, well, I hope I won't see you again.- Hopefully.

0:14:27 > 0:14:30Well, not under these circumstances!

0:14:30 > 0:14:34With the debt cleared, there's no reason for the sheriffs to come back.

0:14:34 > 0:14:36Unless it's for a test drive.

0:14:36 > 0:14:39Despite no direct contact with owner Mr Morley,

0:14:39 > 0:14:42it's been a successful hour's work for Marc and Tony.

0:14:42 > 0:14:46I think basically that the owner of the company was quite keen

0:14:46 > 0:14:48to not actually meet us in person.

0:14:50 > 0:14:52Yeah, it's a good result, to be honest.

0:14:52 > 0:14:54Wasn't in there more than an hour, and we got a paid in full.

0:14:54 > 0:14:58And for Adrian Skeats, it means getting the news, and the cheque,

0:14:58 > 0:15:01he's desperately hoped for.

0:15:01 > 0:15:06It's a shame not everybody knows how much power the sheriffs have.

0:15:06 > 0:15:08But I'm so pleased that they've got it.

0:15:08 > 0:15:11I'd like to have seen it when they went down to get the money,

0:15:11 > 0:15:14because I would have been smiling all day long.

0:15:14 > 0:15:18But it's very pleasing to know that there are people there on your side

0:15:18 > 0:15:20that will just go and get it.

0:15:22 > 0:15:26The Low Mileage Centre told us they addressed the faults Mr Skeats raised,

0:15:26 > 0:15:28including the paintwork, tyres and windscreen,

0:15:28 > 0:15:33and that an MOT testing centre had passed the car as roadworthy.

0:15:33 > 0:15:37For these reasons, they said, they refused to return Adrian his money.

0:15:37 > 0:15:40Boss David Morley said at the time of the sheriffs' visit,

0:15:40 > 0:15:44he had left the office to attend a previously arranged meeting

0:15:44 > 0:15:46and had he known they were coming,

0:15:46 > 0:15:49he would have made a point of being there to meet them.

0:15:49 > 0:15:52He said the only reason they hadn't paid the court order

0:15:52 > 0:15:55was because the appeals process was still ongoing

0:15:55 > 0:15:57at the time of the sheriffs' visit.

0:16:01 > 0:16:04Sheriffs cover the length and breadth of England and Wales

0:16:04 > 0:16:08enforcing over 70,000 High Court writs every year.

0:16:08 > 0:16:11Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own enforcement system,

0:16:11 > 0:16:14but they're all about the same thing -

0:16:14 > 0:16:19getting people back the money that a court of law says is rightfully theirs.

0:16:19 > 0:16:20- Hiya.- Good morning, sir.

0:16:20 > 0:16:23My name's Mr Grix. I'm an enforcements officer.

0:16:23 > 0:16:27Their enforcements can come at any time...anywhere...

0:16:27 > 0:16:30These days a High Court writ costs £60.

0:16:30 > 0:16:33If the sheriffs are successful, there's nothing more to pay.

0:16:33 > 0:16:37We've got a live High Court writ to attend here today to remove that vehicle.

0:16:37 > 0:16:42If they're unsuccessful, the only cost is a £60 admin fee.

0:16:47 > 0:16:54Back in Stockport, sheriffs Pete and Dave are still after over £20,000 owed to Conrad Money

0:16:54 > 0:17:00by building boss Alan Burgess, who's so far refused to cooperate.

0:17:00 > 0:17:02They're waiting for the police to arrive

0:17:02 > 0:17:07so they can make peaceful entry into his garage where valuable motorbikes are stored.

0:17:07 > 0:17:1130 minutes later, the police finally arrive.

0:17:11 > 0:17:13Morning, gents.

0:17:13 > 0:17:19It's left to Pete to explain to the police exactly what the powers of the sheriffs are.

0:17:19 > 0:17:23Basically, I'm commanded by the High Court judge to attend here

0:17:23 > 0:17:27either to collect that amount or seize goods to that value.

0:17:27 > 0:17:31Obviously, it's a threat to kill, that's why I've called you guys.

0:17:31 > 0:17:32They just weren't listening.

0:17:32 > 0:17:36He thinks we're bailiffs, but we're not. We've got different powers.

0:17:39 > 0:17:43While the police go to speak to Mr Burgess, Pete waits patiently outside.

0:17:43 > 0:17:45They're going to speak to the gentleman now.

0:17:45 > 0:17:49They've looked at our paperwork, erm...

0:17:49 > 0:17:53My interest is in that garage there, rather than the property.

0:17:53 > 0:17:57We'll just see what's said once they've spoken to him.

0:17:59 > 0:18:01With the police acting as peace-keepers,

0:18:01 > 0:18:05Pete wants to get on with seizing the motorbikes locked in the garage

0:18:05 > 0:18:08that Mr Burgess now admits do belong to him.

0:18:08 > 0:18:10I'm not proposing to remove any goods.

0:18:10 > 0:18:13What I'm going to do is I'm going to seize them on paperwork

0:18:13 > 0:18:15to protect the outstanding debt.

0:18:15 > 0:18:18But Pete's offer to only seize on paper doesn't placate Mr Burgess.

0:18:20 > 0:18:22He's still refusing to let them into the garage,

0:18:22 > 0:18:25but Pete's going to go in...one way or another.

0:18:25 > 0:18:29You can either let us through the door or we'll go through the window.

0:18:29 > 0:18:32Either way, makes no difference - we will seize those goods today.

0:18:32 > 0:18:37Mr Burgess asks the police to intervene and stop the sheriffs entering his garage.

0:18:39 > 0:18:42Don't matter. There's an open window now. It's irrelevant.

0:18:42 > 0:18:46But by now, Pete's patience has run out.

0:18:46 > 0:18:50It's all right, we'll go through window. It's fine.

0:18:50 > 0:18:56- You all right? I'll pass you the paperwork.- Pass the pad?- Yeah.

0:18:56 > 0:18:58I think the pen's on the floor and all.

0:19:00 > 0:19:02Grab one off his top in there.

0:19:02 > 0:19:06You'll be able to come out the back door, I'd have thought.

0:19:06 > 0:19:11So now he's in through hard work, do you want to walk around with us?

0:19:12 > 0:19:17Finally inside, they find and seize on paper, two classic motorbikes.

0:19:17 > 0:19:19They'll remain on the premises,

0:19:19 > 0:19:21and if no payment is made in the next five days,

0:19:21 > 0:19:24Pete can come back to remove them.

0:19:24 > 0:19:28Just list the bikes, rather than going through everything.

0:19:28 > 0:19:30After a morning of aggravation,

0:19:30 > 0:19:34it looks like Pete and Dave are almost done with this enforcement.

0:19:34 > 0:19:38But then Mr Burgess's temper gets the better of him again

0:19:38 > 0:19:42as he threatens that the bikes won't be there by the time Pete comes back.

0:19:42 > 0:19:45With what is now the court's property in jeopardy,

0:19:45 > 0:19:50Pete decides he's got no choice but to remove them today after all.

0:19:50 > 0:19:52With night turning to day,

0:19:52 > 0:19:56it's time to remove the bikes and call the tow truck.

0:19:59 > 0:20:02We believe they will be at risk if we do leave them here.

0:20:02 > 0:20:06He did say they would be set on fire if we came to take them.

0:20:06 > 0:20:11Just waiting for the removal truck to come and take them to safe storage.

0:20:16 > 0:20:21The removal of goods is the ultimate sanction the sheriffs have at their disposal.

0:20:23 > 0:20:27If necessary, the motorbikes can now be sold to pay Mr Burgess's debt.

0:20:27 > 0:20:31This particular one is supposed to have a bit of history with it.

0:20:31 > 0:20:33There's one on eBay now, worth £20,000.

0:20:37 > 0:20:40With his prize machines on their way out of his property,

0:20:40 > 0:20:45Mr Burgess goes from making death threats to trying to elicit sympathy.

0:20:45 > 0:20:48The motorcycles that have just been taken away...

0:20:48 > 0:20:51The black one, I've had for 50 years. I bought that when I was 16.

0:20:51 > 0:20:55My wife and I are absolutely heartbroken over the loss of that machine.

0:20:56 > 0:20:58Now I have to go back to a solicitor

0:20:58 > 0:21:03and see whether or not I can recover my motorcycles.

0:21:04 > 0:21:08Pete takes no pleasure in seizing family heirlooms

0:21:08 > 0:21:11but has to ensure the debt he's ordered by the court to collect gets paid.

0:21:11 > 0:21:13We've come and done our job -

0:21:13 > 0:21:16removed items to the value of the debt.

0:21:16 > 0:21:19And he's got the option to pay now.

0:21:19 > 0:21:24We've got the goods, unfortunately, so it's down to him.

0:21:24 > 0:21:29It's been a hard day's night for the sheriffs, but a successful one.

0:21:29 > 0:21:32Conrad Money will finally get at least part of what he's owed -

0:21:32 > 0:21:34one way or the other.

0:21:34 > 0:21:36Going home for a while.

0:21:36 > 0:21:40I think he's just let principle get in the way

0:21:40 > 0:21:42and that's why he's not dealt with it.

0:21:42 > 0:21:45Obviously, he's going to have to deal with it now.

0:21:45 > 0:21:48Hopefully, he'll get it sorted out, get the money together,

0:21:48 > 0:21:51and pay for them before they go up for auction.

0:21:51 > 0:21:54But for the moment they've gone into storage for five days,

0:21:54 > 0:21:56with a view to sell them.

0:22:03 > 0:22:05Despite the sheriffs' high rate of success,

0:22:05 > 0:22:08it can be hard to get people their money back,

0:22:08 > 0:22:10especially when taking on companies

0:22:10 > 0:22:12operating with multiple trading names,

0:22:12 > 0:22:15or businesses that don't exist any more.

0:22:18 > 0:22:22Today, sheriffs Marc Newton and Tony Smith are heading to Bromley

0:22:22 > 0:22:25on what will turn out to be just such a wild goose chase.

0:22:25 > 0:22:28They've been asked to take on a tooth-whitening company

0:22:28 > 0:22:31who appear to be less than whiter-than-white.

0:22:31 > 0:22:35We're after a company that seems to have three different names.

0:22:35 > 0:22:37It's got a company name with trading as another name

0:22:37 > 0:22:40with another limited company on the end.

0:22:40 > 0:22:42Just going to have to try and get in there

0:22:42 > 0:22:43and see if we can find them.

0:22:43 > 0:22:47The man they're on their way to help is Stephen Todd from South London.

0:22:49 > 0:22:52When's he's not working, he likes to walk up to this local airfield

0:22:52 > 0:22:55to watch the gliders landing.

0:22:55 > 0:22:58Unfortunately for him, it's a walk he's had a chance to do

0:22:58 > 0:23:02all too frequently since he was made redundant two years ago.

0:23:04 > 0:23:06It had been a job at a bookmakers

0:23:06 > 0:23:08that Stephen had been in for 20 years.

0:23:11 > 0:23:13Determined to find himself a new career,

0:23:13 > 0:23:16he decided to invest his redundancy money in a business venture,

0:23:16 > 0:23:21and came across an advert for a tooth whitening franchise online -

0:23:21 > 0:23:22SmartSmile.

0:23:27 > 0:23:31When you're made redundant, it's a bit of a shock to the system.

0:23:31 > 0:23:34Obviously you're keen to try and move on.

0:23:34 > 0:23:37And when I saw the advert for the teeth whitening,

0:23:37 > 0:23:42I thought it looked like a really good opportunity, you know.

0:23:42 > 0:23:46Excited by the idea of the new business,

0:23:46 > 0:23:49he met with self-styled franchise expert Robert Yorke,

0:23:49 > 0:23:52the man brokering the sale of SmartSmile franchises

0:23:52 > 0:23:56on behalf of the business owner, Edward Hills.

0:23:56 > 0:23:58He gave a presentation.

0:23:58 > 0:24:02This was going to revolve around this top-of-the-range website.

0:24:02 > 0:24:05I was the first person to be buying into this franchise,

0:24:05 > 0:24:09so I had my reservations, cos there was no track record.

0:24:09 > 0:24:12To put Stephen's mind at rest

0:24:12 > 0:24:15about the fact he was the first franchisee,

0:24:15 > 0:24:18Mr Yorke added a clincher to the contract.

0:24:18 > 0:24:24Mr Yorke then gave me a 100% return on investment policy.

0:24:24 > 0:24:27He told me if there was any problems going forward

0:24:27 > 0:24:29and I wanted my money back,

0:24:29 > 0:24:33then that's what would... He was willing to do that.

0:24:35 > 0:24:37After getting the policy in writing,

0:24:37 > 0:24:40Stephen was satisfied he had the protection he sought.

0:24:40 > 0:24:43He went ahead and used all his redundancy money

0:24:43 > 0:24:47to buy the franchise for £14,000.

0:24:47 > 0:24:49With big plans for his new franchise,

0:24:49 > 0:24:52Stephen visited SmartSmile owner Edward Hills

0:24:52 > 0:24:58for the training and equipment that came as part of the £14,000 package.

0:24:58 > 0:24:59But all did not go to plan.

0:24:59 > 0:25:01'I received a little bit of training.

0:25:01 > 0:25:05'He then started to produce the leaflets,'

0:25:05 > 0:25:10which did have the company name on without any doubt.

0:25:10 > 0:25:13However, my details weren't on the actual leaflets,

0:25:13 > 0:25:15and he said, "Oh, just write it in in ink."

0:25:15 > 0:25:18You know, there's, like, 3,000 of these leaflets.

0:25:18 > 0:25:23And the top-of-the-range equipment he was promised was no better.

0:25:23 > 0:25:26I received this lamp from Mr Hills.

0:25:26 > 0:25:29It was broken.

0:25:30 > 0:25:34Doesn't stay together properly. Also the lamp itself doesn't work.

0:25:34 > 0:25:37Stephen realised he'd made a big mistake.

0:25:37 > 0:25:39With so much of his money at risk,

0:25:39 > 0:25:44he decided to exercise his 100% return of investment policy.

0:25:44 > 0:25:45Only problem was,

0:25:45 > 0:25:49neither Mr Yorke nor Mr Hills were interested in honouring it.

0:25:49 > 0:25:52Basically, the contract that I'd signed,

0:25:52 > 0:25:54and also what was stated in the prospectus,

0:25:54 > 0:25:57he'd effectively thrown it in the bin.

0:25:57 > 0:26:02Stephen took both Mr Hills and Mr Yorke to the county court.

0:26:02 > 0:26:03The case was contested,

0:26:03 > 0:26:06but Stephen won judgment against both defendants' companies,

0:26:06 > 0:26:09who were ordered to give Stephen his money back.

0:26:09 > 0:26:12To date, he's still not received a penny.

0:26:12 > 0:26:15This was going to be, you know, my future.

0:26:15 > 0:26:20This is er...my living, so it was, er, you know...

0:26:20 > 0:26:23Well, hopefully it was going to be my living. It obviously wasn't.

0:26:26 > 0:26:29Stephen's last hope now rests with Marc and Tony.

0:26:32 > 0:26:34They arrive at the business address

0:26:34 > 0:26:37of Robert Yorke's latest tooth-whitening company,

0:26:37 > 0:26:40Diamond Teeth Whitening in Bromley.

0:26:40 > 0:26:41Diamond Teeth Whitening.

0:26:41 > 0:26:42Sixth floor.

0:26:44 > 0:26:48Marc's hoping there'll be assets in the company's name at the premises.

0:26:48 > 0:26:50Time to find out.

0:26:50 > 0:26:51- Hiya.- Hi.

0:26:51 > 0:26:55..High Court writ that's been issued to Diamond Teeth Whitening,

0:26:55 > 0:26:57from a Stephen Todd.

0:26:59 > 0:27:01Have you any way of getting hold of them at all?

0:27:03 > 0:27:07Cos we're here today to seize goods.

0:27:07 > 0:27:10The woman leaves a message for boss Robert Yorke.

0:27:17 > 0:27:21Marc agrees to wait until Mr Yorke calls back.

0:27:21 > 0:27:24In the meantime, he gives the woman more detail on the writ,

0:27:24 > 0:27:28but she's quick to point out a potential problem with it.

0:27:28 > 0:27:30It's all in the name.

0:27:30 > 0:27:32It's got the writ against Gold Cross Investments,

0:27:32 > 0:27:35Diamond Teeth Whitening and Smart Europe Ltd.

0:27:35 > 0:27:40This is Diamond Teeth Whitening Contracts.

0:27:40 > 0:27:44The writ is against Diamond Teeth Whitening Ltd.

0:27:44 > 0:27:46The woman says the company

0:27:46 > 0:27:49is Diamond Teeth Whitening Contracts Ltd.

0:27:49 > 0:27:50Only one word's difference,

0:27:50 > 0:27:53but it could have major consequences for Stephen.

0:27:53 > 0:27:56Right, have you got anything to say who you are,

0:27:56 > 0:27:58any Companies House certificates?

0:27:58 > 0:28:01And then I'll just do a few checks.

0:28:01 > 0:28:05Marc gets in touch with his office to see if they can get any details

0:28:05 > 0:28:08to back up what the woman's claiming.

0:28:08 > 0:28:10I'm here now.

0:28:10 > 0:28:15The company we got here is Diamond Teeth Whitening Contracts Ltd.

0:28:15 > 0:28:19Saying that the other company, Diamond Teeth Whitening,

0:28:19 > 0:28:21went into... Is that what you're saying?

0:28:21 > 0:28:23Went into administration.

0:28:23 > 0:28:24- Yeah.- Yeah.

0:28:26 > 0:28:29While the office checks on the company names,

0:28:29 > 0:28:32Marc and Tony have a quick scout of the premises,

0:28:32 > 0:28:35which shows that there is a tooth whitening business on site,

0:28:35 > 0:28:36with assets.

0:28:37 > 0:28:38That's theirs.

0:28:40 > 0:28:43They do do it in there. They do do it in there.

0:28:43 > 0:28:46It's equipment Marc could potentially seize

0:28:46 > 0:28:50if he can prove it belongs to Diamond Teeth Whitening Ltd.

0:28:50 > 0:28:54Moments later, the woman manages to raise boss Robert Yorke.

0:28:54 > 0:28:55Hiya.

0:28:57 > 0:29:00Well, unfortunately, we have to act on the High Court writ

0:29:00 > 0:29:05that we've been issued, so it would mean we have to seize goods today.

0:29:05 > 0:29:07Mr Yorke isn't pleased to hear from the sheriffs,

0:29:07 > 0:29:11and even less pleased about Marc's threat to seize goods.

0:29:11 > 0:29:16He argues that his new company is a completely different entity,

0:29:16 > 0:29:19but that won't stop Marc seizing the goods on paper

0:29:19 > 0:29:20until Mr Yorke can prove it.

0:29:20 > 0:29:23What I'll have to do today is I'll have to list the goods,

0:29:23 > 0:29:25leave a copy of the inventory, then you get seven days to...

0:29:25 > 0:29:26I won't take anything away,

0:29:26 > 0:29:28I'll just have to list everything that's in here,

0:29:28 > 0:29:32then you get seven days to send the stuff into our office, yeah?

0:29:32 > 0:29:36But after speaking to their office, Tony's got bad news for Marc.

0:29:36 > 0:29:39Cheers, darling, thank you. Bye-bye.

0:29:39 > 0:29:42- That's closed.- Yeah?

0:29:42 > 0:29:43The other two don't exist.

0:29:43 > 0:29:44Yeah.

0:29:45 > 0:29:50The office confirms that Diamond Teeth Whitening Ltd has now closed,

0:29:50 > 0:29:53and that Diamond Teeth Whitening Contracts Ltd

0:29:53 > 0:29:55is a different company.

0:29:55 > 0:29:58It's a body blow for Stephen Todd's hopes of getting his money back.

0:29:58 > 0:30:00- OK?- All right.- Thanks very much.

0:30:00 > 0:30:03- Cheers, bye-bye.- Thank you.- Bye-bye.

0:30:03 > 0:30:05'They've basically closed that company down.'

0:30:05 > 0:30:07Unfortunately for the person who's owed the money,

0:30:07 > 0:30:10I don't think they're ever going to get that.

0:30:10 > 0:30:13All too often, the sheriffs are left chasing debts

0:30:13 > 0:30:15from companies that are no longer trading,

0:30:15 > 0:30:18and which have no remaining assets to pay off their debts.

0:30:18 > 0:30:20For Marc,

0:30:20 > 0:30:23Stephen's story is something the sheriffs see all too often.

0:30:23 > 0:30:26He probably invested all the money he had into that.

0:30:26 > 0:30:31And...I wish I could go in there and get that back for him, but I can't.

0:30:31 > 0:30:33And...I wish I knew where it went or where it is,

0:30:33 > 0:30:37but I can't find that out, unfortunately.

0:30:37 > 0:30:39So...it's just one of those things.

0:30:47 > 0:30:51Sheriffs Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally are in Kent,

0:30:51 > 0:30:54on their way to see a man who's got previous with the sheriffs,

0:30:54 > 0:30:56and not kept his word.

0:30:56 > 0:30:59The defendant is a Mr Andy Chance.

0:30:59 > 0:31:01He was supposed to be paying us in full.

0:31:01 > 0:31:05Despite having a couple of follow-up letters, he just hasn't paid,

0:31:05 > 0:31:11so we're off down there today to see if we can collect £6,285.53,

0:31:11 > 0:31:14or potentially remove goods.

0:31:17 > 0:31:21They're going back to Mr Chance's computer company

0:31:21 > 0:31:24on behalf of a man who wasn't paid for work he carried out

0:31:24 > 0:31:25for the company.

0:31:26 > 0:31:30When the case went to court and Mr Chance failed to contest it,

0:31:30 > 0:31:32a judge ruled in the man's favour,

0:31:32 > 0:31:36and awarded him damages of just over £6,000.

0:31:38 > 0:31:40When the sheriffs first visited Mr Chance

0:31:40 > 0:31:43after the deadline to settle his debt had passed, he paid £2,000,

0:31:43 > 0:31:48but has since stalled on paying off the rest as promised.

0:31:50 > 0:31:53Today is the last chance for Mr Chance.

0:31:53 > 0:31:56We're not there on a seizure visit this time.

0:31:56 > 0:31:58We are there to remove.

0:31:58 > 0:32:01Because he's had a previous visit where goods were seized.

0:32:03 > 0:32:05We're looking for full payment or removal today.

0:32:08 > 0:32:15- What number have we got, then? - Unit 15.- Unit 15.

0:32:15 > 0:32:18First, though, they need to find the right unit.

0:32:18 > 0:32:20"Leave parcels with Panelcare," it says.

0:32:20 > 0:32:21Yeah, that's the wrong door.

0:32:23 > 0:32:24All right.

0:32:24 > 0:32:26This is the door.

0:32:26 > 0:32:28Door, unit, door, unit...

0:32:31 > 0:32:33Hello there.

0:32:33 > 0:32:35We're looking for Andy Chance.

0:32:35 > 0:32:37My name's Mr Grix, I'm the enforcement officer.

0:32:37 > 0:32:42While they're in the right place, there's no sign of Mr Chance.

0:32:43 > 0:32:46The woman inside explains Mr Chance has nipped home,

0:32:46 > 0:32:48and is due back in a few minutes.

0:32:48 > 0:32:51Basically, we're here today to remove goods from the premises

0:32:51 > 0:32:52to clear his debt.

0:32:52 > 0:32:53I suggest you stay outside.

0:32:53 > 0:32:56- No.- Please, I mean, I'm not going anywhere.

0:32:56 > 0:32:57We won't be going outside.

0:32:57 > 0:32:59We're going to start making an inventory

0:32:59 > 0:33:00of what we're going to be taking.

0:33:00 > 0:33:02Just wait for him to turn up.

0:33:02 > 0:33:06And if he doesn't, we'll call in trucks.

0:33:07 > 0:33:11With the threat of trucks hanging in the air, Lawrence and Kev go to work

0:33:11 > 0:33:15making a list of goods that can be seized against the outstanding debt.

0:33:15 > 0:33:1821 boxes of Cat 5E cable.

0:33:18 > 0:33:22No-one knows stuff like that. How do you know it's Cat 5E cable?

0:33:22 > 0:33:24- It says it on the box. - You need to get out more.

0:33:24 > 0:33:25It says it on the box!

0:33:25 > 0:33:27HE LAUGHS

0:33:29 > 0:33:32Their hi-tech list-making is interrupted

0:33:32 > 0:33:34by the arrival of the man they've been waiting for -

0:33:34 > 0:33:38the defendant, Andy Chance.

0:33:38 > 0:33:39Hi there. Hello.

0:33:39 > 0:33:44It's time to find out why he's failed to pay as agreed.

0:33:44 > 0:33:46We've written to you and got nothing,

0:33:46 > 0:33:48cos you said you wanted to pay it in full.

0:33:48 > 0:33:51You asked for the bank details, according to what I've got here.

0:33:51 > 0:33:54- Right.- We had a letter from you requesting the bank details

0:33:54 > 0:33:58- so you could make an instant payment in full by transfer...- Right.

0:33:58 > 0:33:59..and then you didn't.

0:33:59 > 0:34:02Oh, sorry, I thought we'd agreed we'd pay it in stages.

0:34:02 > 0:34:04Um... No, I've got nothing...

0:34:04 > 0:34:07- Nothing to that effect on there at all.- OK.

0:34:07 > 0:34:12- So we're here today for £6,285.53... - Right.

0:34:12 > 0:34:15..and we are today on a removal visit, not a seizure visit,

0:34:15 > 0:34:18because my colleague was already on the seizure visit.

0:34:18 > 0:34:21At this point, we're asked to leave the premises

0:34:21 > 0:34:25as Mr Chance explains that he doesn't have the £6,000 he owes.

0:34:25 > 0:34:27Right, is there anybody that can help you out with it at all?

0:34:27 > 0:34:30We take debit, credit cards...

0:34:30 > 0:34:33Mr Chance maintains he's got no access to the necessary funds

0:34:33 > 0:34:38right away, and asks for a few days to sort out payment.

0:34:38 > 0:34:42Given the situation, this isn't good enough for Lawrence.

0:34:42 > 0:34:44No, it needs to be done today.

0:34:44 > 0:34:46Because that's the problem, because we are on a removal visit.

0:34:46 > 0:34:48We can give you a little bit of time

0:34:48 > 0:34:50if you need to make a few phone calls.

0:34:50 > 0:34:52Kev spots something that could give them the perfect leverage

0:34:52 > 0:34:55to make Mr Chance pay up what he owes -

0:34:55 > 0:34:59an expensive saloon parked right outside.

0:34:59 > 0:35:02Time to bring out another tool at the sheriffs' disposal.

0:35:04 > 0:35:06With the clamp safely on,

0:35:06 > 0:35:10Lawrence now has Mr Chance exactly where he wants him.

0:35:10 > 0:35:12Right, um...

0:35:12 > 0:35:15Bad news for you, unfortunately, I think, potentially.

0:35:15 > 0:35:17The Audi, yours?

0:35:18 > 0:35:20No?

0:35:20 > 0:35:22Even sheriffs can make mistakes.

0:35:23 > 0:35:26It turns out the car's nothing to do with Mr Chance.

0:35:26 > 0:35:28Oh, my colleague said you turned up in an Audi.

0:35:28 > 0:35:30I'll go tell him to unclamp it. HE LAUGHS

0:35:33 > 0:35:36While Kev swiftly removes the clamp from the vehicle...

0:35:37 > 0:35:43..inside, Lawrence's firm but fair stance has had the desired effect.

0:35:43 > 0:35:46Mr Chance agrees to pay £1,000 straightaway,

0:35:46 > 0:35:50and the rest in two more instalments by the end of the month.

0:35:50 > 0:35:52There's your copy of that, sir.

0:35:52 > 0:35:56That's your balance, £1,000 by the 14th, which is Friday,

0:35:56 > 0:35:57balance by the 30th.

0:35:57 > 0:35:59It's a great result for the sheriffs,

0:35:59 > 0:36:02and means the man who originally lost out to Andy Chance

0:36:02 > 0:36:04will now finally get his money back.

0:36:04 > 0:36:06OK, so if you could just sign and print for me?

0:36:06 > 0:36:08OK, then, Mr Chance.

0:36:08 > 0:36:10Bye-bye.

0:36:10 > 0:36:13For Lawrence, it's what he came for -

0:36:13 > 0:36:15cash up front, and a concrete arrangement in place

0:36:15 > 0:36:18for the debt to be cleared.

0:36:18 > 0:36:22Mr Chance's brother came and paid the £1,000 for him on a credit card.

0:36:22 > 0:36:25He's going to pay another £1,000 by the end of the week.

0:36:25 > 0:36:26But we've seized everything.

0:36:26 > 0:36:29He's signed a walking possession agreement, so, um...

0:36:29 > 0:36:31I shouldn't think there's going to be any more problems.

0:36:31 > 0:36:33I shouldn't think we'll have to come back.

0:36:39 > 0:36:42For the sheriffs, some payments are easier to collect than others,

0:36:42 > 0:36:45and heading deep into the English countryside,

0:36:45 > 0:36:49Marc and Tony are hopeful that today their luck might be in.

0:36:50 > 0:36:53They're on their way to visit Jenny Tooley,

0:36:53 > 0:36:55former landlady of the Shepherd and Dog pub.

0:36:57 > 0:36:59Chef Sam Morton was promised a bonus

0:36:59 > 0:37:02if he stayed in his job as chef for the pub.

0:37:02 > 0:37:04But after agreeing to stay on,

0:37:04 > 0:37:07his bonus never materialised, so he resigned.

0:37:09 > 0:37:13The matter went to court, but the Tooleys didn't attend.

0:37:13 > 0:37:19The judge awarded Sam Morton £703, but he's still not been paid.

0:37:26 > 0:37:29Aiming to get the former employee their money back,

0:37:29 > 0:37:31Marc and Tony pull up and head in.

0:37:32 > 0:37:34KNOCKS AT DOOR

0:37:35 > 0:37:38Can Marc convince the former landlady

0:37:38 > 0:37:40that this is a debt she needs to pay?

0:37:41 > 0:37:44- Hiya.- Hello. - I'm after Jenny Tooley?- Yeah.

0:37:44 > 0:37:46It's about a High Court writ that's been issued.

0:37:46 > 0:37:49Says, "Jenny Tooley, the Shepherd and Dog Ltd."

0:37:49 > 0:37:51By Mr Morton.

0:37:51 > 0:37:53That's been written back to.

0:37:54 > 0:37:55Written back to...?

0:37:55 > 0:37:57A letter's gone off to them.

0:37:57 > 0:38:00The landlady says the Shepherd and Dog Ltd business

0:38:00 > 0:38:05has now been wound up, so any debt it owes is now void.

0:38:05 > 0:38:08But Marc's got some bad news for her.

0:38:08 > 0:38:11They took the judgment against you personally

0:38:11 > 0:38:13and the Shepherd and Dog Ltd.

0:38:13 > 0:38:15It's against... Well, I'll show you the paperwork.

0:38:15 > 0:38:19- It's "Jenny Tooley, the Shepherd and Dog Ltd."- Yeah.

0:38:19 > 0:38:22And we're here to collect the money or remove goods.

0:38:23 > 0:38:27The landlady argues that it was her husband that dealt with the case,

0:38:27 > 0:38:29which she knows little about.

0:38:29 > 0:38:31But, as the sheriffs point out,

0:38:31 > 0:38:34if your name's on the writ, it's no-one else's problem.

0:38:34 > 0:38:37Technically, it would have nothing to do with your husband.

0:38:37 > 0:38:40Because it's in your name.

0:38:40 > 0:38:41And...

0:38:41 > 0:38:44This is the address the court's got.

0:38:44 > 0:38:46Yeah, I mean, this is the first address we've been to,

0:38:46 > 0:38:48so this is the address that was on the writ here.

0:38:48 > 0:38:51We haven't even got an address for the pub, so...

0:38:51 > 0:38:54So this is the address that they've wrote to.

0:38:54 > 0:38:56£1,431.

0:38:56 > 0:38:59Well, best thing I can do is just pay it, then.

0:39:00 > 0:39:01Result.

0:39:01 > 0:39:03Only seven minutes at the property,

0:39:03 > 0:39:06and Marc and Tony have scored a home run.

0:39:06 > 0:39:09Mrs Tooley puts up little opposition,

0:39:09 > 0:39:10instead agreeing to pay

0:39:10 > 0:39:14without a walking possession or clamp in sight.

0:39:14 > 0:39:18All the sheriffs have got to do now is find a way for her to pay.

0:39:20 > 0:39:22A simple card transaction.

0:39:23 > 0:39:26Not always easy when your chip and PIN machine

0:39:26 > 0:39:30needs a mobile phone signal, and you're in the middle of the country.

0:39:30 > 0:39:31Problem we've got...

0:39:31 > 0:39:34We're going to have no signal here, are we, at all?

0:39:34 > 0:39:37We might have. It's coming on.

0:39:37 > 0:39:40It's connecting. Not much, but...

0:39:40 > 0:39:42It's all right. Let's try and see.

0:39:43 > 0:39:45Pop your card in first.

0:39:46 > 0:39:49I don't think this is going to work, to be honest with you.

0:39:58 > 0:40:00Every time we come to a little place like this,

0:40:00 > 0:40:03we always struggle to get a signal.

0:40:03 > 0:40:05Just had one and it's gone.

0:40:05 > 0:40:07Oh, no, it's back.

0:40:08 > 0:40:10- Don't move, Tony.- I'm not.

0:40:10 > 0:40:11I'm not.

0:40:11 > 0:40:12- BLEEP - Yeah.

0:40:12 > 0:40:18Finally, Tony finds a signal, and payment goes through.

0:40:20 > 0:40:22Despite the obstacles presented,

0:40:22 > 0:40:26the sheriffs have got a result on behalf of Sam Morton.

0:40:26 > 0:40:27I'll leave you, um...

0:40:27 > 0:40:30There'll be another piece of paper with my name and number on as well...

0:40:30 > 0:40:35our office details if you need to ask any questions.

0:40:35 > 0:40:37Time to head to the next job.

0:40:37 > 0:40:39- Cheers, thanks. - Thanks very much, goodbye.

0:40:39 > 0:40:40Almost.

0:40:40 > 0:40:42Got the machine?

0:40:42 > 0:40:44Yeah, it's in my back pocket, I think.

0:40:45 > 0:40:47I got... No, it's on the bin there.

0:40:47 > 0:40:48THEY LAUGH

0:40:48 > 0:40:50I've got so many things in my pockets,

0:40:50 > 0:40:51I don't know where things are.

0:40:55 > 0:40:58Yeah, it was a good result, I mean, we got it paid quite quickly.

0:40:58 > 0:41:01We've had a couple quicker than that, but, yeah, that wasn't long.

0:41:01 > 0:41:03It was a good result.

0:41:03 > 0:41:04I think the lady realised

0:41:04 > 0:41:06that someone at her end had made a mistake

0:41:06 > 0:41:09and just passed on the paperwork, so...

0:41:09 > 0:41:11They were actually liable.

0:41:11 > 0:41:13She could quite clearly see her name was there.

0:41:13 > 0:41:16And she done the right thing and paid straightaway.

0:41:16 > 0:41:19At least we got some money today, which is quite good.

0:41:20 > 0:41:23Mrs Tooley told us she didn't agree with the court's verdict,

0:41:23 > 0:41:27as in her eyes, Mr Morton's bonus was to be paid

0:41:27 > 0:41:29at the end of his year's work, not before.

0:41:29 > 0:41:32She said she'd received no notification

0:41:32 > 0:41:35of the final court hearing, and felt her correspondence

0:41:35 > 0:41:37wasn't properly taken into consideration by the court.

0:41:37 > 0:41:39She said she was trying to contest the award,

0:41:39 > 0:41:43and is waiting to hear back from the court on this.

0:41:43 > 0:41:45It's one of the quickest £1,500

0:41:45 > 0:41:48that Marc's ever taken on behalf of a client.

0:41:49 > 0:41:51They can head on to their next job,

0:41:51 > 0:41:55while Sam Morton can expect a cheque in the post very soon.

0:41:57 > 0:41:59Since Pete and Dave visited Burgess Roofing

0:41:59 > 0:42:03to try and seize boss Alan Burgess's motorbikes,

0:42:03 > 0:42:06the bikes have been sold at auction.

0:42:06 > 0:42:08Despite this, a considerable debt

0:42:08 > 0:42:11owed to former employee Conrad Money still remains,

0:42:11 > 0:42:14and the sheriffs are currently planning a further visit

0:42:14 > 0:42:17to Mr Burgess to try and get that back as well.

0:42:19 > 0:42:20Stephen Todd, meanwhile,

0:42:20 > 0:42:22is continuing to pursue other legal avenues

0:42:22 > 0:42:25to try and get his money returned to him.

0:42:25 > 0:42:28I don't intend to just let it go,

0:42:28 > 0:42:33because I do have other forms of redress which I intend to pursue.

0:42:34 > 0:42:36'However, it's a learning experience,

0:42:36 > 0:42:37'that's all you can really say,

0:42:37 > 0:42:40'and I hope other people will learn something from it.

0:42:40 > 0:42:41'Just be careful.'

0:42:41 > 0:42:44- HE LAUGHS - And watch out.