0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Meet the sheriffs.- Let's introduce ourselves.- Got an High Court writ.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07If it's not paid, we'll be removing the stock.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- Their job is to get you your money back.- It's about to get physical.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13It's an arrestable offence to stop me doing my job.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16If you've been ripped off and don't know where to turn...
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- We need to deal with it now. - We're going to remove vehicles.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20If you're acting on his authority, pay it.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24..if you've been to court, but still not been paid what you're owed...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Are you going to open this building, or am I going to force entry into it?
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- You need to pay this. - ..it's time to call the sheriffs.
0:00:31 > 0:00:32Don't put your hands on me.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35I'm going to call a locksmith, effect entry and remove all the items.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Whoa, whoa, whoa.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40They're enforcement agents of the High Court,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43and the law says they're on your side.
0:00:43 > 0:00:44Just collected 42 grand.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Coming up...
0:00:52 > 0:00:56..when Charandeep Sandhu arranged to have his spectacular wedding filmed,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59he never dreamt it would take 18 months
0:00:59 > 0:01:01to see the disappointing results.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05My wife broke down in tears.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Sheriffs Lawrence and Kev have to get tough
0:01:08 > 0:01:11when they attempt to get Charandeep his money back.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Are you going to pay in full, sir?
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Right, I'll get the crowbar out of my van.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19In London, the sheriffs are evicting squatters
0:01:19 > 0:01:21from a barricaded building.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24I've got a writ of possession for the property
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and you're getting evicted this morning.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30But as tensions rise, can the eviction be completed peacefully?
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Got a legal document to evict you.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39And electrician John Marsh wasn't paid for work he carried out
0:01:39 > 0:01:41for a loft conversions company.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43You know, you may as well just open your wallet
0:01:43 > 0:01:44and throw your money on the floor.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49But when sheriff Pete Spencer goes in to collect the debt...
0:01:49 > 0:01:51things turn nasty.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- Let go of the camera, mate. - Let go of the camera one second.
0:01:56 > 0:01:57Just let go.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11While much of Britain sleeps,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14enforcement agents Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally
0:02:14 > 0:02:18are already out on a case that centres around a wedding video.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Just coming up to 6.20am.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Just coming into Harrow, on our way to a residential address.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29We are actually looking for a company,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35They're wedding photographers.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40We're looking today for goods to the value of £3,705.57.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46They're on their way to bring a happy day to a very unhappy couple.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53This is Charandeep Sandhu.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Three years ago, he was getting married to Amarjeet.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58As with anyone's wedding,
0:02:58 > 0:03:02it was to be one of the most important days of his life.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06And as a Sikh, it was to be a week-long extravaganza.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Our wedding ceremonies, they go on for almost a week or so.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14It's just full of fun.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20It is one of the most special days of our lives, really,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22and especially for Amarjeet, I know,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25she had been looking forward to this day for such a long time.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28And wanting to remember their perfect day for ever,
0:03:28 > 0:03:30they arranged to have it filmed
0:03:30 > 0:03:35by specialist wedding videographers Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38not to be confused with any other company of a similar name.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43It was run by Mr Pankaj Jethwa.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46We chose Adreamwedding simply because they had recorded a video
0:03:46 > 0:03:49of one of our family members, my sister-in-law,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51and the video was actually good.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53You don't mind paying a little bit extra
0:03:53 > 0:03:56if you get a good quality at the end of it.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04Having paid Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited £3,000 up front,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08with a further £1,000 to come on receipt of the edited video,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Charandeep and Amarjeet got married.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16The day was all they'd hoped for, but problems started soon after.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20They asked for their video, but received nothing.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Eventually, after a full year and a half of waiting,
0:04:23 > 0:04:28Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited sent them a DVD of their special day.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34My wife's reaction was, basically, she broke down in tears.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37When I was looking at the video,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39I realised that there's some problems there.
0:04:39 > 0:04:40Most importantly,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44some key moments of the wedding never made it onto the video.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46See, at this point now,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48there was all my family dancing in front of the car,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50there was the drummers there,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52and this is the first part
0:04:52 > 0:04:57where the groom's family meets the bride's family officially.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59But, disappointingly,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03this was one of the scenes that wasn't on the DVD.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06They also spotted some technical problems.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08When you watch it on the TV,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10you cannot have it on a constant volume,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12because, suddenly, the sound will drop
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and then, suddenly, the sound will go up.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Of course, the missing scenes could never be recaptured,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21but the family listed changes that needed to be made to the video
0:05:21 > 0:05:25and informed Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Mr Jethwa agreed to make the adjustments.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29Seven months later,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33they contacted Charandeep to say the work was finished.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37He could have the DVD on payment of the outstanding £1,000.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Charandeep insisted on a second viewing.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45But the bulk of the changes hadn't been made.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49We tried to work out a way that we can actually get the job done
0:05:49 > 0:05:52and, obviously, you wouldn't want to pay the full amount
0:05:52 > 0:05:55for something that you're not happy with.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited e-mailed Charandeep,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01saying he would be charged £100 per week
0:06:01 > 0:06:05for every week he hadn't paid the outstanding £1,000.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Charandeep and his solicitors
0:06:08 > 0:06:11attempted to contact the company a number of times,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15trying to negotiate a workable deal, but Mr Jethwa wouldn't respond.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Charandeep felt he had no option but to take the company to court.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Mr Jethwa contested the case,
0:06:23 > 0:06:28but a judge agreed with Charandeep and awarded in his favour.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32The company was ordered to refund £2,500
0:06:32 > 0:06:35and send them the finished project within 21 days.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40But since that date, Charandeep's not had the money or the video.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Their company is called Adreamwedding.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44I'll be honest with you, they need to rename that
0:06:44 > 0:06:47to A Nightmare Wedding, because that's what they've left us with.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50It's been a three-year nightmare.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Charandeep and Amarjeet's only hope of seeing their money
0:06:54 > 0:06:58or their wedding DVD now rests with the sheriffs.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07As they approach Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Lawrence shows his soft side.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12You've got to have a certain amount of sympathy for the claimant.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16It's likely to be the most expensive day of anybody's life, really,
0:07:16 > 0:07:17unless you get divorced.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20You can't relive the day.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22It's there and then, and it's got to be captured.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30Lawrence and Kev have been told that, although this is a house,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32it's where the video company is based
0:07:32 > 0:07:34and there's a studio in the garage.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40So, while Lawrence tries the door, Kev goes round the back.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46But the owner of Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited
0:07:46 > 0:07:48is still in the land of dreams.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53Morning, sir. I'm looking for Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54Mr Jethwa, is it?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56No, it's Mr...
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Sorry?- You can't come in.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- I'm trying to show you some ID. - Give me a minute.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Give me a minute. Give me a minute.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07Mr Pankaj Jethwa is the boss of Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11and with our camera present, he wants to talk from behind the door.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15No, sir, I'm quite within my rights to stand in the porch.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Are you going to open the door and speak to me and deal with this?
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Right, my name's Mr Grix, I'm here to execute a High Court writ
0:08:24 > 0:08:26against Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited,
0:08:26 > 0:08:33and I'm here today to take goods to the value of £3,705.57.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36The only way to prevent further action is to pay in full.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Are you going to pay in full, sir? Are you going to pay in full?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Right, well, I'm going to be forcing entry
0:08:42 > 0:08:45into your photographic studio at the back of the house, then, sir.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47OK? I'll get the crowbar out of my van.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53The sheriffs aren't interested in getting into Mr Jethwa's house,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56but they are interested in his studio at the back.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58As it's a commercial premises,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01they have the right to force entry into it if necessary.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04They assess the options.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08We will effect entry into your photographic studio
0:09:08 > 0:09:10and remove everything if you don't pay.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16Who does it belong to, then?
0:09:16 > 0:09:17- It belongs to your wife?- Yeah.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20This needs paying, otherwise we're going in the studio.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Have you got the key to it?
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Are you going to open it, or am I going to force entry into it?
0:09:27 > 0:09:30I'll give you a few minutes, but all I'm going to be entertaining
0:09:30 > 0:09:32is you paying or you opening this building,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34or I will be effecting entry into it, OK?
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Lawrence tries to deliver the paperwork.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41No, I just want to give you that, because it's got the amount on it.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- Just give me...- It's got the amount you need to pay and how to pay it.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46I know, but I need a few minutes.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48It doesn't make any difference to you to take it.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Why don't you take it? - It's not serving you with anything.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52It's for your information.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- We're not going to wait outside. - We're not waiting outside.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00You need to concentrate on how you're going to get this money together.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Mr Jethwa suggests Lawrence posts him the notice.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06KNOCK ON DOOR
0:10:06 > 0:10:08There's no letter box, sir.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11How do you expect me to post it through the door?
0:10:12 > 0:10:13Yeah.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Well, I'm standing in the letter box, then, aren't I?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18You need to just take the paper from me, sir.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24All right, I've left it on the windowsill.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Mr Jethwa asks for time to get dressed.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30OK, you get dressed, then, sir.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32OK.
0:10:32 > 0:10:33He's saying he can't pay.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I said, "Is there anybody to help... who can help you with it?"
0:10:36 > 0:10:39That's what we're trying to do now. He's just...
0:10:39 > 0:10:42He's very reluctant to let me into that building, for some reason,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44but we will be going in there.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Our camera is asked to leave the property.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50With time passing, if Mr Jethwa won't pay,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54the only way Lawrence and Kev will get Charandeep the money he's owed
0:10:54 > 0:10:59is by forcing entry and removing goods from the photographic studio.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Kev looks for the crowbar.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05A-ha!
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- I'm dressed up, I can talk to you. - Last chance, sir.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Are you going to open it,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18or am I going to get it open with the crowbar?
0:11:18 > 0:11:21It's commercial premises. It's a limited company.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It has no protection.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25It's a detached building, it's not attached to your residence.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27It can be forced entry.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Are you going to open it?
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- I'm not going to open it until... - Right.- Wait.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- Don't be...- Are you going to open that building?- Yes.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- Right, go and do it, then.- Not now.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Right... I'll rephrase my question. Are you going to open it now?
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- No.- Right, then we're going to force entry into it.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Mr Jethwa continues to argue about opening the studio.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- Lawrence has had enough. - Go on, Kev, just do it, mate.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01With the studio crowbarred open, Mr Jethwa lets the camera back in.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Told you what I was going to do.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Inside, there are plenty of goods to list
0:12:07 > 0:12:10with a view to remove and auction if necessary.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14It includes several computers and some video equipment.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Make yourselves comfortable, I guess that's all I can say,
0:12:17 > 0:12:18is show you a bit of hospitality.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25But, despite appearances, the forced entry seems to have had an effect.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30Inside the house, the owner's son has paid the debt by bank transfer.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33So, if you can just sign there and print there.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Mr Jethwa has a parting shot.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39I'm going to let every videographer
0:12:39 > 0:12:43know not to do business with these guys, you know.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Charandeep and Amarjeet's family
0:12:46 > 0:12:51is unlikely to do business with Adreamwedding.Co.Uk Limited again.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53But now, thanks to the sheriffs,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55they have the money they were owed by the company,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57who took over three years
0:12:57 > 0:13:01and still failed to deliver a satisfactory video.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Obviously, us forcing entry and getting our hands on it
0:13:05 > 0:13:08actually forced them to make the payment.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14After we filmed, Mr Jethwa asked to put his side of the story.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17He explained the scene Charandeep said was missing
0:13:17 > 0:13:20was because the cameraman stayed filming the groom
0:13:20 > 0:13:22rather than filming the procession.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25There was also a complaint about sound quality.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29The piece of distortion in the sound could be removed.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33If you remove it and just leave the rest of the dancing,
0:13:33 > 0:13:34it would be fine.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37I'm really angry, really upset about this,
0:13:37 > 0:13:41because they never communicated with me.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42They never wrote to me.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47There is absolutely no document that I have received from them saying,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49"Pankaj, we are unhappy.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52"Adreamwedding, can you sort this out?"
0:13:52 > 0:13:55If they had complained at that stage,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57we would have addressed to it immediately.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Not all the writs enforced by the sheriffs
0:14:10 > 0:14:12involve getting money out of people.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Sometimes, they turn their skills to enforcing judgments
0:14:17 > 0:14:20which concern getting people out of buildings.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Like in Greenwich, South London, today,
0:14:24 > 0:14:28where a commercial building has been occupied by squatters.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30It's part of a growing problem.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Since squatting in residential properties was criminalised,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37a wider range of commercial buildings is being occupied,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40like this one.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42This morning, the sheriffs face a real challenge.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45The building has been barricaded.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Leading the eviction is enforcement agent Conrad Van Zyl.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54We don't know how many occupants are inside. We've got a locksmith.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57With a High Court writ, we've got the power to force entry
0:14:57 > 0:15:00and obtain possession back to the client.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05The landlord wants to redevelop this one-time photographic studio,
0:15:05 > 0:15:06but this is the second time
0:15:06 > 0:15:09squatters have occupied the building.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13It has several entrances, all with high security doors.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15We're just assessing around the building
0:15:15 > 0:15:19and as soon as we find a suitable place, we'll attempt to go inside.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22The landlord supplied a locksmith,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25but the sheriffs are going to try and charm their way in first.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Hello? Hello?
0:15:29 > 0:15:30KNOCKING ON DOOR
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Anybody inside?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38There's no response from inside the building.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42The landlord's locksmith will now try to force entry.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45The new approach gets some attention.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Got a High Court writ of possession for the property.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- You're being evicted. - Excuse me, what are you doing?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54We've got a writ of possession. You're getting evicted this morning.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Yeah, but nobody gave us papers or anything.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00I've got a legal document that gives me the power
0:16:00 > 0:16:03to obtain possession of this property.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Better start packing your belongings.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Defeated by the jammed lock,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09the locksmith is going to try the second door.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15Meanwhile, some of the squatters have come down into the alleyway.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- I've got a writ of possession for the property.- Let me see.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- You can have a look at it. - Can you not film me, please?
0:16:21 > 0:16:24While Conrad talks to the squatters,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26the locksmith attempts the second door.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I'm showing it to you. Once inside, I'll show you.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- Put the camera away. - This time, the outer door opens.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36At the minute, they've barricaded the property from the inside.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39There's a couple of them on the side of the building,
0:16:39 > 0:16:41and we now attempt a negotiation process
0:16:41 > 0:16:44to see whether they want to open or not.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46At the alleyway fence,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50the squatters are claiming they should have seen paperwork.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53But the sheriffs know that a live High Court writ is all they need.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56Say again.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01No, that's not how it works, mate. That's not how it works.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02It's not how it works.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07It's not how it works.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09There's no point shouting from up there.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Come on down, I'll show you it.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I haven't got massive arms to give it up to you.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Come on down and I'll show you it.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20The roller shutter has been jammed from the inside and won't open.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22It can't be saved.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25We'll just cut it with a grinder, just go through it.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Meanwhile, the police have arrived, called by the squatters.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31I'll tell you what it is.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- There's my badge.- Yep, lovely.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35That's the writ from the High Court
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- that gives us the power to enter the property this morning.- Right.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42The locksmith is still unable to get into the building,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44but the squatters have got out.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47We're here to take them out.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Let's talk, yeah? No, no, no, listen.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51I am going to explain it to you, yeah?
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Stop talking over the top of me.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55I've already explained to your colleague. Listen.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57This is a High Court writ of possession for this property.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00You're in a commercial building, you're squatting, OK?
0:18:00 > 0:18:05Right, writ number 66. Claimant, the person that owns the property.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Defendant, persons unknown - ie, you and your colleagues, right?
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Bit about the Queen, bit about the authorised officer.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Tells you a bit more what I'm commanded to do,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16which means I've got to cause the claimant
0:18:16 > 0:18:18to have possession of this property which you're in.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20What else would you like to know?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23They are still arguing about the legality of the eviction.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27There's no talking to be had with a lawyer. You've been evicted.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31No, listen, listen... No, listen.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35OK... Excuse me, you keep telling me you're still in a democracy, yeah?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37This gives me the power to remove you.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40You're unlawfully in this property. Simple. OK?
0:18:40 > 0:18:43I've showed you it two or three times, I've told you who I am,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45I've explained this to you.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46We keep going round in circles.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49What you need to do is start packing your belongings.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52And explain to me in great detail, what's old about it?
0:18:52 > 0:18:55That's the date last year. You've put a new stamp on it.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- You've probably been evicted by the County Court bailiff.- Yeah.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- Which is a different process than High Court.- Mm-hm.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03County Court bailiff will tell you when he's coming
0:19:03 > 0:19:05and they'll turn up at a date and time.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- I don't.- Yeah. - That's how it is.- The paperwork...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12The locksmith has gone back to the first door.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21One of the landlords has arrived.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25We can't waste longer to attempt to go in.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29Is there anyway we can smash this and get inside?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Although the police were called by the squatters,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33the law is on the side of the sheriffs,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36so now they're going to assist with the eviction.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43The locksmith ramps up his efforts.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55But as the door continues to give the locksmith trouble...
0:20:00 > 0:20:02..one of the landlord's colleagues arrives
0:20:02 > 0:20:04with something that should help.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05He has the keys.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08This one? I think this is for the front one.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Do you want to see if you can open that front one, please? Thanks.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- So, we're in.- We've managed to open the first door,
0:20:16 > 0:20:18and now we're going through the shutter door.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21It's a joke, isn't it?!
0:20:21 > 0:20:24The shutter doors are still jammed from the inside
0:20:24 > 0:20:27and the police are talking to the occupants.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30When we return, we'll see what happens
0:20:30 > 0:20:32when the sheriffs get inside.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Got a legal document to evict you.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Being a sheriff often involves a little detective work.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52Debtors can be hard to track down. Sometimes they try to evade payment.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Sometimes they just move.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Sheriff Pete Spencer has been trying to track down
0:20:59 > 0:21:03Innerspace Loft Conversions Limited for a while,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07not to be confused with any other company of a similar name.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11They owe money to an electrician who did work for them, but wasn't paid.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14But they've proved hard to find.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18I've been to three or four other addresses for this company already,
0:21:18 > 0:21:22so this will be the fourth address that we're attending for them.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26The man Pete is on his way to help is John Marsh from Preston.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29John's been an electrician for 13 years
0:21:29 > 0:21:33and has been running his own electrical business since 2004.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37I set this business up from scratch on my own and made my own contacts.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40All my work comes from word of mouth.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Recommendations from other people
0:21:43 > 0:21:46is how I've managed to build a strong business.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50It was John's desire to grow his company
0:21:50 > 0:21:53that led him to start working for Andrew Bond,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56the director of Innerspace Loft Conversions Limited.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02They met through a mutual friend, when Mr Bond needed an electrician
0:22:02 > 0:22:05to wire the loft conversions he was doing.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08What I found was, with Andy, he had a lot of business,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11we were in and out of a lot of different people's houses.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14You know, for me it was like a win-win situation.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16It was more work, leading to more work.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21It all started as John hoped, but it wasn't long
0:22:21 > 0:22:25before cracks started to appear in the business relationship,
0:22:25 > 0:22:29and always for the same reason, according to John.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32So, we started having problems with Andy when he...
0:22:32 > 0:22:35when he stopped paying on a regular basis.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41John would invoice Innerspace for each completed job,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44but John says he started to receive just part payments.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47I'm asking for payment,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50he's promising me that he's going to come up with money
0:22:50 > 0:22:52when money gets released from other jobs.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56He makes promises and then... and then doesn't follow through.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58There's already a lot of money outstanding.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02You're thinking, "Well, if I stop doing work for this guy,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04"he's then...you know, there's a good chance
0:23:04 > 0:23:06"that I may not get paid for what's outstanding."
0:23:06 > 0:23:09John says he continued working for Innerspace,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12hoping he would get paid as promised.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15But as the months rolled on, nothing changed
0:23:15 > 0:23:19before, finally, the situation became untenable.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21And when we're talking about periods of, you know,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23up to nine months without payment,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25you don't want to start doing any more work for him,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28because that means you've got to put your hand in your pocket
0:23:28 > 0:23:30and you've got to pay out for more...
0:23:30 > 0:23:32either materials, petrol, you know, diesel.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Whatever it is, you're having to pay out.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37You may as well open your wallet and throw your money on the floor.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40So, I had to turn round to Andy and say, "Enough is enough."
0:23:40 > 0:23:45We got to around £5,600 and I was well out of my comfort zone.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Still having to pay business costs and suppliers,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51and fearing the money would never materialise,
0:23:51 > 0:23:56John refused to do any more work for Innerspace Loft Conversions Limited.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01He decided to take legal action to get the money he was owed.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05He wrote Mr Bond a letter, stating that Innerspace Loft Conversions
0:24:05 > 0:24:10had a 14-day mediation period in which to pay the money owed
0:24:10 > 0:24:12or face him in court.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15I just wanted to make him listen, start taking me seriously,
0:24:15 > 0:24:16because before that,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20I didn't feel like he was paying any attention to what I was saying.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Although John says he did his best
0:24:22 > 0:24:26to try to resolve the situation amicably,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Mr Bond refused to settle his debt, so the case went to court.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Mr Bond didn't contest the case
0:24:32 > 0:24:35and a judgment was issued in John's favour.
0:24:35 > 0:24:41Innerspace Loft Conversions Limited was ordered to pay him £5,600.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Despite this, John still hasn't been paid.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51Will Pete Spencer be able to find Innerspace Loft Conversions Limited
0:24:51 > 0:24:54and get John the money that he is lawfully owed?
0:24:54 > 0:24:57This time, Pete's done a trace on the company,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59and they've turned up in Leyland, Lancashire,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02sharing premises with another unrelated company.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10As Pete rolls up to the address, it looks promising.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13We've got a vehicle parked outside
0:25:13 > 0:25:15belonging to the company we're looking for.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Just go and have a look.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22If Innerspace are here, they must be in an inner space.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- I'm looking for Innerspace. - You're looking for me, mate.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28How are you doing? You all right?
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- I'm looking in the right place. - Take it off, mate.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35But before Pete gets any further, the man grabs the camera.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- Get it- BLEEP- off.
0:25:37 > 0:25:38This is Mr Bond.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43He tells our cameraman to leave and turns his attention to the sheriff.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45He tells Pete to leave.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Despite the Innerspace-branded van outside
0:25:48 > 0:25:50and his own Innerspace shirt,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Mr Bond tells Pete Innerspace Lofts is not here.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59He says Innerspace has shut down, but Pete knows otherwise
0:25:59 > 0:26:02and wants to hear about assets he could remove if necessary
0:26:02 > 0:26:04to pay off the debt.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- You need to get that - BLEEP- off, mate.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Mr Bond discovers our cameraman is outside
0:26:09 > 0:26:11and comes down to tell him to stop filming.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- Give me the- BLEEP.- One second.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16He grabs the camera, breaking the viewfinder.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18..of the camera. If not, I'm phoning the police.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- Phone the police, mate. - You've just broken the camera.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Still holding the camera,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26he asks for the memory card containing the pictures.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- Give me the memory card. - Just let go of the camera.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- You're not making me look like a- BLEEP.- Just let go.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Then he drags the camera and cameraman back into the building.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Just give us one second. Let go. One second.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Once he has the cameraman inside,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41he says he's not letting him or Pete Spencer out.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43You're not going out of here with that.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Give me that memory card, mate.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- BLEEP,- you're getting pulled out of here, mate.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49- I- BLEEP- promise you, mate.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- You want to come in here with your- BLEEP- on.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Effectively held prisoner, Pete calls the police.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00I'm at a premises in Leyland. RAISED VOICES IN BACKGROUND
0:27:00 > 0:27:01I need police assistance.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03I've got a BBC cameraman with me
0:27:03 > 0:27:07who's having problems with the people on the premises
0:27:07 > 0:27:09and they're refusing to let us leave.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11You can hear in the background now,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13they're refusing to let us leave the property.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Problem is, what you're doing is assault on the cameraman,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18so that's why the police are going to have to come.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- You've touched him. - I have touched him.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- I've not assaulted him.- No, that is assault. Touching him is assault.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28The police arrive in force.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Our cameraman is released,
0:27:31 > 0:27:33but the police ask us to stop filming inside
0:27:33 > 0:27:35while they sort out the situation.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37The police were a very good response,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40I mean, to be fair, when we did explain to him you can't kidnap us
0:27:40 > 0:27:44and keep us imprisoned and I had no other choice but to call police.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48Finally able to get on with his job,
0:27:48 > 0:27:53Pete checks the status of the Innerspace van with the DVLA.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54It's on finance.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56This means it can't be removed,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59as it doesn't belong to Innerspace Loft Conversions.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04It's a disappointing end to what's been an eventful visit.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Unfortunately, there's no assets here,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09there's no property inside belonging to that defendant.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12He's just sharing a desk. So, that's where we're at today.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13We've left paperwork,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16and we're just en route to the police station now to do statements.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Since we filmed, Mr Bond appeared before Leyland Magistrates' Court,
0:28:22 > 0:28:26where he admitted assaulting our cameraman and grabbing the camera.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29He was given a 12-month conditional discharge.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34For the moment, John Marsh still does not have the money
0:28:34 > 0:28:37the law says is rightfully his.
0:28:37 > 0:28:38On this occasion, unfortunately,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41the sheriffs haven't been able to recover any money for me.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43But I feel like it has given me a bit of closure
0:28:43 > 0:28:46and I do hope the cameraman's all right.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50Andrew Bond of Innerspace Loft Conversions told us his firm was...
0:28:53 > 0:28:55He said he...
0:28:57 > 0:28:59..by sending relevant documentation to the court.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05..pointing out this was not proven in court.
0:29:09 > 0:29:10..and blamed our cameraman
0:29:10 > 0:29:12for antagonising it
0:29:12 > 0:29:14by continuing to film from outside.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Back at the squat in Greenwich, it's crunch time.
0:29:24 > 0:29:25The sheriffs and plainclothes police
0:29:25 > 0:29:28have been explaining to the squatters
0:29:28 > 0:29:29that they WILL be evicted today.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31The squatters aren't cooperating
0:29:31 > 0:29:33and, even though the landlord's locksmith
0:29:33 > 0:29:35has failed to get through the barricaded doors,
0:29:35 > 0:29:37the sheriffs WILL get in.
0:29:37 > 0:29:38To be honest with you, Conrad,
0:29:38 > 0:29:41I'm just going to smash it completely to smithereens.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Just smash it to bits.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Smash it on the lock side.
0:29:45 > 0:29:46Just bash it.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58That's it, that's it, that's it.
0:30:00 > 0:30:01Right, let's move.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Nice work. Got a legal document to evict you.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- We're just packing our stuff.- Now you're packing. Now you're packing.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Start packing up, please.
0:30:16 > 0:30:17Is there anyone else asleep?
0:30:17 > 0:30:20The majority of the squatters realise the game is up
0:30:20 > 0:30:22and start packing their things.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24You've got ten minutes to pack and leave.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28The sheriff's job now is to get the occupants packed
0:30:28 > 0:30:30and out as quickly as possible.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- When you pack up, just make sure you've got all your stuff.- Yep.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Once you're outside, you won't be able to get back inside.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- Fair enough.- No problem, thank you.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40At this stage, they've been quite helpful
0:30:40 > 0:30:42and they pack up their stuff
0:30:42 > 0:30:44and they are most willing to leave the premises.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49The squatters are cooperating, but they still believe in their case.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Rich people have lots of property and poor people have nothing.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- The very same... - I believe the law is wrong.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55I understand that you're saying, "This is the law
0:30:55 > 0:30:58"and we have to leave and it belongs to this person," I understand.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- I'm not in a position to question... - I know, because you follow the law.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05I'm in a position to question it, because I've got a free mind.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- Come on, young man.- Young lady. - Young lady. Come on, young lady.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14HE CHUCKLES
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Although the mood is lifted, the landlord isn't as positive,
0:31:20 > 0:31:22because he's been through it all before
0:31:22 > 0:31:26with a previous group of squatters, evicted just a few months ago.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29It's just a circle of...
0:31:29 > 0:31:33debt, cost, time.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34You know, once they take it over,
0:31:34 > 0:31:38they apparently have the right to be here, use all your electric,
0:31:38 > 0:31:39water, waste, whatever you need.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42There's no relief from the councils on it, no cost put on them.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44All on the owner again.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46We don't want to be funny about the occupants inside,
0:31:46 > 0:31:48but it's the state and the condition
0:31:48 > 0:31:50that they're able to get these properties into
0:31:50 > 0:31:54causes a lot of financial damage to the owners of these properties.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00It's been quite a siege, but now the sheriffs are where they want to be.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04We're inside. Now we're occupying the premises.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06They're out and we're inside.
0:32:08 > 0:32:09All evicted.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13They're in front of the premises now, obviously waiting to go,
0:32:13 > 0:32:17but we're happy, we're satisfied, and so is the landlord and the owner.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Enforcement agents, commonly known as sheriffs,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32can go anywhere in England and Wales to enforce a High Court writ.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Got an High Court writ to attend here today.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39I've been sent today with a High Court writ to clear the debt.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43At commercial premises, sheriffs are permitted to force entry
0:32:43 > 0:32:48to remove goods or return a building to its rightful owners.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50I'm going to call the locksmith, then, sir,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53effect entry into the premises and remove all the items.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Sheriffs have collected almost £200 million
0:32:56 > 0:33:00of unpaid court judgments in the last three years.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02That's what we want to see - that coming out of the van.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09- All cleared up, paid in full. - A High Court writ costs £60.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12If the sheriffs are successful, there's nothing more to pay.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14If they're unsuccessful,
0:33:14 > 0:33:20the only cost is a compliance fee of £75 plus VAT for each enforcement.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23He's done one! He ran upstairs and hid.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36West Midlands-based enforcement agents Craig Wilde and Tom Coyle
0:33:36 > 0:33:40are up bright and early today, heading to Wales.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43I can do the weather for Wales wherever I am in the country,
0:33:43 > 0:33:47I can let you know what it's going to be - wet.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51Right, we're on our way to a job today. It's for an individual.
0:33:51 > 0:33:58It's in Gwynedd for an amount of £4,498.48.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01The case involves two farmers.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Farmer David Hughes rented land from another farmer
0:34:04 > 0:34:07to graze his sheep on for about £2,000.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11He also bought bales of hay and silage to feed his animals.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15The total bill for rent and silage was just under £3,000,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18but Mr Hughes has paid only 500.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Now the sheriffs are heading up Mr Hughes's farm track
0:34:26 > 0:34:28to get all of the money owed.
0:34:29 > 0:34:30A bit of Welsh lamb.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37Craig and Tom's tactic of arriving early seems to have paid off.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Hello, Mr Hughes? We're from the sheriff's.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Can we have a word with you, please?
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Hello, sir. All right.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Here today to execute a High Court writ.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51Unfortunately for you.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55The balance on the account is £4,498.48.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00- What's that for?- Do you know claimant at all?- I know of him, yes.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Yeah. Unfortunately, he's taken you to court for the monies owed.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06I don't know anything about this.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Despite Mr Hughes's excuses,
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Craig is here to collect the money owed and he needs to be paid today.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- It has to be cleared funds. - So, that's cash.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It's cash or it's a card payment.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Right, well, I don't... I've got...
0:35:21 > 0:35:23At the end of the day...
0:35:23 > 0:35:26This... This is nothing to do with sort of...
0:35:26 > 0:35:28I don't know what it's about.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31How am I going to pay something when I don't know something about it?
0:35:31 > 0:35:33I would assume that the claimant had been in contact with you
0:35:33 > 0:35:35with regards to payment.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38I used to buy silage off him a couple of years ago.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Right. So it could be something to do with that.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- No, I paid him as I was getting it. - Then I don't know.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46All we do is get involved in the High Court writ, sir.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48David Hughes didn't contest the case
0:35:48 > 0:35:51and a judgment was issued against him.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55Mr Hughes says he's received no paperwork about the case.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Because he wasn't paid,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59the other farmer has now taken his claim to the High Court
0:35:59 > 0:36:03and hope the sheriffs will be able to get him what he's owed.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04So what do I do now, then?
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Well, either we see the payment or the goods.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12- What goods?- Cars, household items. - Well, the cars aren't mine.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Craig explains to Mr Hughes
0:36:15 > 0:36:18that he will have to prove the vehicles belong to someone else
0:36:18 > 0:36:21or they could be removed and sold.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- I'm acting under a court order. - Right.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27That court order compels me today to require the money from you in full.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29Now, if you haven't got the money in full,
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- I would take that on board. - Yeah, yeah.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- But how much can you raise today? - So how much do you want?
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- 4,498.- Bloody hell! What's that for?
0:36:38 > 0:36:41As again, Mr Hughes, I don't get party to that.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44All I get is a defendant and a claimant.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Mr Hughes says he'll have to drive to the bank
0:36:47 > 0:36:49to find out how much money he has.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54- So how much do you want?- Well, as much as you have, to be fair.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56They normally talk about at least 50% of the liability.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58I haven't got that much, I'll be honest with you.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- Well, how much have you got?- Um...
0:37:01 > 0:37:04I don't know. I'd have to speak to her.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- Well, if you want to have a quick chat with her first.- Janice...
0:37:09 > 0:37:12How much money can we pay these people?
0:37:12 > 0:37:15It's something to do with silage.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Where are you going?
0:37:17 > 0:37:19That's the end of the camera.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22At this point, our camera is asked to wait outside
0:37:22 > 0:37:24while Mr Hughes looks for funds.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Mr Hughes is trying a couple of debit cards
0:37:27 > 0:37:29to see what he's got on them debit cards
0:37:29 > 0:37:32to try and alleviate the situation with some payment today.
0:37:33 > 0:37:38Craig and the farmer agree on a partial payment of £500 for today.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41The sheriffs will list goods they could remove at a later date
0:37:41 > 0:37:43to cover the rest if need be.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Thanks very much, sorry to disturb you. Thank you.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53With the paperwork signed, Mr Hughes wants to put his side of the story.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54I'm speechless.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57When these chaps turned up, that was the first I knew of it.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01There's been no postal deliveries of any kind here.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Mr Hughes tells us the dispute was about some silage he bought,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07which he claims was rotten, so he refused to pay.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11He shows us what he says is an example of the bad silage.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13How are you supposed to feed that to your animals?
0:38:13 > 0:38:15You cannot feed that to sheep.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18You just cannot feed it, cos that would kill them.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20So I've refused to pay for them.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23Mr Hughes claims he received many bales of bad silage.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26The other farmer says they left his yard in good condition.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31But the silage made up less than a third of the debt,
0:38:31 > 0:38:35which was mainly unpaid rent for fields Mr Hughes had used.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40And since we filmed, the two farmers went back to court,
0:38:40 > 0:38:44where they agreed a payment of the remaining £2,000 from Mr Hughes.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46The matter is now closed.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04It's early morning
0:39:04 > 0:39:09and sheriffs Lawrence and Kev are in the van again, coming into Watford.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13They're here to settle a debt with a local gym, Fitness4Less,
0:39:13 > 0:39:17whose relationship with a personal trainer hasn't...worked out.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20With a gym, you know, I would think you'd find sufficient assets there
0:39:20 > 0:39:23to clear the debt, so we'll be looking for full payment.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28The man they're on their way to help is Qamar Ahmed from Watford.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31His personal fitness is everything to him
0:39:31 > 0:39:33and working out is his passion.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36But it's not just a hobby.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40It's also his livelihood as a professional personal trainer.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Extend your arm for that jab.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47After deciding to make personal training his career seven years ago,
0:39:47 > 0:39:51Qamar took a job with a local gym, Sportz Academy.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53It's the best job I've had. It was fantastic.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Keep your arm up.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58But Sportz Academy ran into financial problems,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01with wages paid only sporadically.
0:40:01 > 0:40:02Let's go. Jab.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06The company was taken over by a new firm, Fitness4Less.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08They inherited the Sportz Academy wage bill
0:40:08 > 0:40:10and Qamar and the other staff
0:40:10 > 0:40:12hoped they'd finally get paid what they were owed.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Good. Let me hear two breaths. OK, let's go.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16But at a meeting with staff,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19the new owner had some hugely disappointing news.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Categorically said that they're not going to pay our wages
0:40:22 > 0:40:25in front of the previous owner, who had, five minutes before,
0:40:25 > 0:40:29just said that the new owners will pay us our backdated wages.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Qamar was owed just over £4,000 in unpaid wages,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37so, together with the other disgruntled staff,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40he agreed to help bring legal action to fight their case.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44We had to take it through the courts, so we had to stick together.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47We had to take this to the tribunal.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49When the judge heard the case,
0:40:49 > 0:40:51he ruled that when the business was sold,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54the new owner should take on the responsibility
0:40:54 > 0:40:59for the previous company's unpaid debts, included backdated wages.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01It was vindication for Qamar.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06Justice. Justice has been done. Absolutely. It was a great feeling.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10But getting the money he was owed wasn't quite as simple as that.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14Fitness4Less began to settle with Sportz Academy's former employees,
0:41:14 > 0:41:18but a signed agreement for Qamar wasn't forthcoming.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20So I was waiting and waiting and waiting,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22and the money just did not come through.
0:41:24 > 0:41:25The stress of the legal fight
0:41:25 > 0:41:28and failure to pay him the money he was owed
0:41:28 > 0:41:30took its toll on Qamar.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33He was diagnosed with acute depression and signed off work.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38That was the beginning of my dark path that I had to go down.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Without his unpaid wages,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Qamar's financial situation went from bad to worse.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Eventually, it cost him his home.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50That's where I used to live.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53As soon as I stop getting paid from Fitness4Less,
0:41:53 > 0:41:55I was behind on mortgage payments.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58It just became impossible to hold on to my property
0:41:58 > 0:42:00and it was repossessed.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Finally, a few months after the tribunal hearings,
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Qamar received a part payment from Fitness4Less.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11He was promised the rest would follow, but it didn't,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13so he went back to the employment tribunal.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Fitness4Less didn't attend the latest tribunal hearing
0:42:19 > 0:42:21and a judgment was issued in Qamar's favour,
0:42:21 > 0:42:25but despite this, Qamar still hasn't been paid.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30So now it's up to Lawrence and Kev to get Qamar the money
0:42:30 > 0:42:32and the closure he so desperately wants.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Back in Watford, Lawrence and Kev
0:42:39 > 0:42:41have finally found a place to park up.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43So we can't stop here, though.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47With a deep-seated fear of traffic wardens,
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Lawrence leaves Kev with the van.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53This is going to be one writ he'll have to enforce alone.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Hello there. My name's Mr Grix.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01I'm here to execute a High Court writ against Fitness4Less Watford Ltd.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04It's £5,399.58.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Yeah. Qamar Ahmed.
0:43:10 > 0:43:11- Give me two seconds, mate.- OK.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15While the manager gets on the phone to his superiors,
0:43:15 > 0:43:19Lawrence gets to work making notes on equipment.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22If need be, he could remove and auction the machinery
0:43:22 > 0:43:23to pay off the debt.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31Yeah. It can be prevented by full payment.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34So, your manager, your director, whoever...
0:43:36 > 0:43:38The manager runs off to call his boss again,
0:43:38 > 0:43:42while Lawrence tries to work out which exercise machine is which.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46Handily, it's all labelled up with what it is!
0:43:50 > 0:43:53Moments later, having made some calls,
0:43:53 > 0:43:55the manager's got a message for Lawrence.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07Yeah. If he normally starts at ten and he's sorting out his private life
0:44:07 > 0:44:11then that's, you know, that's entirely down to him.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15Yeah, I think we're going to get paid in full.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19It's looking promising, but Lawrence knows better
0:44:19 > 0:44:22than to count his pennies until they're firmly in his hand.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28Having agreed to wait, it seems he might not even need to.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31The gym manager is back with good news.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35Oh, right, and he's doing the transfer, is he?
0:44:37 > 0:44:39All Lawrence needs to do
0:44:39 > 0:44:42is wait to see that the funds have come through
0:44:42 > 0:44:43and it's job done.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46Can you just keep your eye on the bank account for me?
0:44:50 > 0:44:53At this stage, we're asked to stop filming.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58But no sooner are we outside than the promised money goes through.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04It went all right in the end.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07We were sort of hanging around for a while, but in the end,
0:45:07 > 0:45:09I got the majority of it by bank transfer
0:45:09 > 0:45:12and then the odd little bit by cash.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15Let's get out of here.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17And, most importantly, they can report back
0:45:17 > 0:45:21that Qamar will finally receive the money that's due to him.
0:45:22 > 0:45:23I'm very happy.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26With that money, I'm going to set up my own personal training business,
0:45:26 > 0:45:29and I'm going to make a difference in my life
0:45:29 > 0:45:32and I'm going to make a difference in the lives of my clients as well.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37Fitness4Less told us
0:45:37 > 0:45:40that when they took over the Sportz Academy gym, they...
0:45:42 > 0:45:44..and that legal advice they were given at the time
0:45:44 > 0:45:47indicated they should not be responsible.
0:45:47 > 0:45:49They believe they...
0:45:51 > 0:45:54..including writing him a cheque for him to collect from them.
0:45:54 > 0:45:55They said, however...
0:45:59 > 0:46:02..and that he left them no forwarding contact details.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15In the rural north-west of England, there's the prospect
0:46:15 > 0:46:17of a day enforcing writs in the countryside
0:46:17 > 0:46:20for Chris Pearson and Steve Hockborn
0:46:20 > 0:46:23We're in Cumbria, on the way to Egremont.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25This morning we are looking for a company,
0:46:25 > 0:46:28Cumbria Roofing North West Ltd.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31We're looking for £2,913.69.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37Kathleen Horton paid Cumbria Roofing North West Ltd,
0:46:37 > 0:46:40not to be confused with any other company of a similar name,
0:46:40 > 0:46:45£3,000 to apply a special liquid plastic waterproof coating
0:46:45 > 0:46:47to the stairs and balconies of her property
0:46:47 > 0:46:49but she wasn't happy with the quality of the work.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55The company eventually agreed to refund £1,800
0:46:55 > 0:46:58but Kathleen never received the money.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02She took the company to court, where they contested the case.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05Mrs Horton won but the company didn't pay up.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08Now she's taken her claim to the High Court
0:47:08 > 0:47:11and Chris and Steve are on their way to enforce the writ
0:47:11 > 0:47:12and get her money.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23The company is located a few miles south of Whitehaven in Cumbria.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26It's a bit grey but Chris wouldn't be anywhere else.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30It's one of the most beautiful places in the UK, as far as I'm concerned.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32The weather's not the best.
0:47:32 > 0:47:34The summer is very similar to the winter.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39Chris and Steve soon find Cumbria Roofing North West Ltd
0:47:39 > 0:47:40on an industrial estate.
0:47:46 > 0:47:47It looks like there's somebody in.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49- Is there another entrance? - I'll look.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56What do you think?
0:47:56 > 0:47:57Hello?
0:48:00 > 0:48:02There's something on in there.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04- There's a phone number.- Yeah.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07We'll give them a ring and see if we can get somebody here, basically,
0:48:07 > 0:48:09to deal with the situation.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12Could you give me a ring back urgently, please.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15The sheriffs have the right to enter commercial premises
0:48:15 > 0:48:20and, if necessary, remove property to auction to pay off the debt.
0:48:20 > 0:48:23If need be, they'll call a locksmith and force entry
0:48:23 > 0:48:26but Steve is hoping to get someone to open up.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30- There's no vans. - PHONE RINGS
0:48:30 > 0:48:34Hello, sir, is it possible for you to get back to the unit for us, please?
0:48:34 > 0:48:37It's Mr Pearson. We've a High Court writ.
0:48:37 > 0:48:39You're not going to pay it?
0:48:41 > 0:48:44Oh, right. Is there anybody who can come and deal with it for you?
0:48:44 > 0:48:46No, we can't come back tomorrow, sir.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49We do have power of locksmith, if needs be.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52I'd much rather deal with one of your employees, or yourself.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54I can wait for you.
0:48:54 > 0:48:55Thanks a lot. Ta-ra.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Hopefully that will get him here
0:48:57 > 0:49:00but all we can do now is have a coffee and wait for him to turn up.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02Just two minutes later, someone does turn up
0:49:02 > 0:49:04but it's not the boss.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06- Hi, are you from this unit here, love?- Yeah.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09- Have you just come to work, have you?- Yeah.- Right, OK.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11We'll let you get on with what you need to do
0:49:11 > 0:49:12and we can hang about and wait for...
0:49:12 > 0:49:15- I think it was a gentleman called Kevin on the phone.- Right.
0:49:15 > 0:49:19- We can wait for him.- Right, no problem.- OK, thank you very much.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22As soon as she goes in, we can follow her in.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25But there's something Chris and Steve have failed to spot...
0:49:26 > 0:49:31- Do you have a contact number for Mr Musson, love?- I haven't, sorry.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34- They were the keys for the unit. - No way!
0:49:34 > 0:49:36She's been told to come and get them.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38How many female roofers do you know?
0:49:38 > 0:49:40Yeah, how did we not see them?
0:49:40 > 0:49:44The seasoned sheriffs failed to spot that the keys to the unit
0:49:44 > 0:49:46were on the window sill
0:49:46 > 0:49:50and the woman was able to take them from under their noses.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53Kevin, it's Mr Pearson, I've just spoken to you.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56Er, the lady, who I believe you've just spoken to
0:49:56 > 0:49:59to attend and remove the keys, has done that.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02Now that's saying to me that you don't want to deal with this.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Now... How long are you going to be, Kevin, you said an hour-and-a-half
0:50:05 > 0:50:08but why have you asked the lady to come and take the keys away?
0:50:08 > 0:50:1030 minutes... Right, no problem.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13I'll see you when you get back, then. Thank you. Ta-ra.
0:50:13 > 0:50:1630 minutes. We'll give him 30 minutes, see if he turns up.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19I can't believe we didn't spot them keys.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21That shows me that he's not interested in paying today.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24The man calls back.
0:50:24 > 0:50:26He asks our camera to leave his property.
0:50:26 > 0:50:30He says he will meet Chris but not in front of the cameras
0:50:30 > 0:50:33and will call again with details of the meeting place.
0:50:33 > 0:50:34PHONE RINGS
0:50:36 > 0:50:37Hello, can I help?
0:50:37 > 0:50:40The man has arrived but, not wanting to be filmed,
0:50:40 > 0:50:42has concealed himself away from the company's unit.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45Bridge? Oh, yeah.
0:50:45 > 0:50:46No problem, mate, OK.
0:50:48 > 0:50:52Alone, Chris makes his way to the clandestine meeting place.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06Steve waits for a few minutes.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09Now he's going to help apply some pressure
0:51:09 > 0:51:11and hopefully get this case resolved.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13He's had enough time. Chris should've been able to establish
0:51:13 > 0:51:15whether he'll to pay or not,
0:51:15 > 0:51:18so I will walk down and join him and leave the van here.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21But as Steve makes to join the other two under the bridge,
0:51:21 > 0:51:23he's stopped in his tracks.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25PHONE RINGS
0:51:27 > 0:51:28Hello?
0:51:30 > 0:51:32Yeah? Bring it round, yeah.
0:51:32 > 0:51:37He wants the card machine. It appears he's going to pay in full.
0:51:37 > 0:51:38Payment in full.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40It's a result for the sheriffs.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44Steve takes the machine to the man's van on the other side of the bridge
0:51:44 > 0:51:46but is quickly back.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48The fella's not happy but, then again, who would be?
0:51:48 > 0:51:51He's just about to pay three grand out
0:51:51 > 0:51:54that he should have paid out months ago.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57Finally, the writ is settled in full.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00Steve can't help reflecting on the keys he reckons
0:52:00 > 0:52:02Chris failed to spot.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07I would have thought that Chris would have found them straight away,
0:52:07 > 0:52:08so I didn't go looking for them.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11The key issue was very funny.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14He needs to be back in the classroom for a couple of days
0:52:14 > 0:52:17just to make sure he's up to scratch.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19He's cleared his debt off.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22There was no great concern about that, no grievance about doing that.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26A little concern about the costs but such is life.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30A good result for Kathleen Horton,
0:52:30 > 0:52:33who will finally get the money she's due for the poor work done
0:52:33 > 0:52:35by Cumbria Roofing North West Ltd.
0:52:35 > 0:52:39For Chris and Steve it's been a straightforward job,
0:52:39 > 0:52:42apart from the secret meetings under the bridge,
0:52:42 > 0:52:43and, of course, those keys.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47I'm going to blame Steve, wholly and fully.
0:52:47 > 0:52:48That's the end of the matter.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50I don't want to hear anything else about it.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03The sheriffs' work isn't all about collecting debts
0:53:03 > 0:53:05from small businesses.
0:53:05 > 0:53:06Are you going to pay in full, sir?
0:53:08 > 0:53:10Sometimes they're tasked
0:53:10 > 0:53:13with taking on some of the biggest corporate names in the UK.
0:53:14 > 0:53:19This afternoon, Lawrence and Kev are on just such a case.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23We're on our way to Luton, at the moment, to Thomson Airways.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25It's to do with a delayed flight.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30The total due is £1,727.82.
0:53:35 > 0:53:39This passenger's case, and soon to be thousands more like it,
0:53:39 > 0:53:43have come about due to a recent European Court of Justice ruling.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46If your flight is delayed for more than three hours,
0:53:46 > 0:53:48without an adequate reason why,
0:53:48 > 0:53:52you can demand compensation from the airline at fault.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54It's opening the floodgates for passengers
0:53:54 > 0:53:56to get back what they deserve.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59- That's their logo, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02- That top one?- I believe so, yeah.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Thomson is part of the TUI Travel group,
0:54:04 > 0:54:09which, in 2012, made £490 million in operating profit.
0:54:09 > 0:54:13Will they be able to rustle up the £1,700 they need
0:54:13 > 0:54:14to pay off this debt?
0:54:14 > 0:54:17Hello there, I'm looking for somebody from Thomson's Airways
0:54:17 > 0:54:20who can deal with a High Court writ.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23The receptionist goes off to find someone more senior
0:54:23 > 0:54:25to deal with the issue.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29How will Thomson's big brass react to having two sheriffs on site
0:54:29 > 0:54:30with a writ in hand?
0:54:30 > 0:54:33Hello there, right you're from legal, aren't you?
0:54:33 > 0:54:35- I'll just show you some ID.- Right.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41At this point, our cameraman is asked to leave the building.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45The firm's legal team start looking into the case.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48While they do that, Kev gets on with listing goods he can remove,
0:54:48 > 0:54:51if necessary, to pay off the debt.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59Soon after, Kev comes out to fill us in on what's going on inside.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02There's obviously lots and lots of office space in there,
0:55:02 > 0:55:05hundreds of computers, desks and sofas and tables and such forth.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07Televisions all round the place...
0:55:07 > 0:55:09We'll take the full inventory of the place
0:55:09 > 0:55:11and they're just sorting out payment at the moment.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15Faced with Lawrence and Kev and a High Court writ,
0:55:15 > 0:55:19Thomson agree to pay there and then in full.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23Lawrence and Kev emerge with the money in the bank
0:55:23 > 0:55:25and a smile on their faces.
0:55:25 > 0:55:26It was a good outcome in the end.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29We got paid in full on the credit card.
0:55:29 > 0:55:34As we expected to, really, it wasn't a vast amount of money, £1,700.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37A company like Thomson's can easily afford that.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41It's good news for the sheriffs but, much more importantly,
0:55:41 > 0:55:44for the passenger who brought the claim
0:55:44 > 0:55:46and who will finally get the money they're owed, paid in full
0:55:46 > 0:55:48and in good time.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52Thomson Airways told us they would like to apologise
0:55:52 > 0:55:56to the customer for the delay in paying the compensation awarded.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58They said they operate a fair and thorough process
0:55:58 > 0:56:02to deal with EU delay claims in line with the regulation.
0:56:02 > 0:56:05They said, on this occasion, an administration error
0:56:05 > 0:56:07meant that the payment was not processed
0:56:07 > 0:56:09but that it had now been made.
0:56:09 > 0:56:11They said they'd like to reassure customers
0:56:11 > 0:56:14that they are committed to maintaining on-time performance
0:56:14 > 0:56:16across their flying programme.