0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Meet the sheriffs. - Let's go and introduce ourselves.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08- We're High Court Enforcement Officers.- We're here today to execute a High Court writ.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Their job is to get you your money back.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13It's an arrestable offence to stop me doing my job.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16If you've been ripped off and don't know where to turn...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- I'm not waiting any more. - I'm ordered to seize goods to clear this debt,
0:00:19 > 0:00:21which would be clearing this place out.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25..if you've been to court but still not been paid what you're owed...
0:00:25 > 0:00:29Why don't you just tell me who you are? This is an absolute crock. You need to pay this.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31..it's time to call the sheriffs.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33I've seized your car, sir.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36You can let us through the door, or we'll go through the window.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39They're Enforcement Officers of the High Court,
0:00:39 > 0:00:41and the law says...
0:00:41 > 0:00:43they're on your side.
0:00:43 > 0:00:44Just collected 42 grand.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Coming up...
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Sue Bodkin's van broke down after just a few days.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55I was left without a van and I was devastated.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Sheriffs Lawrence and Kev visit the garage that sold it to her.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Can they get her what she's owed?
0:01:01 > 0:01:05You need to sort this out today or we will strip this garage bare.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- This one going?- Yes. - This one's going. Sorry, mate.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10In London, the sheriffs are evicting squatters
0:01:10 > 0:01:12from a barricaded building.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14I've got a writ of possession for the property
0:01:14 > 0:01:16and you're getting evicted this morning.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19But as tensions rise, can the eviction be completed peacefully?
0:01:22 > 0:01:26And sheriffs Darryl and Mark are in pursuit of an old adversary
0:01:26 > 0:01:28with a huge debt.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31I was gobsmacked. It was a figure in excess of £7 million.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33But where is the elusive debtor?
0:01:35 > 0:01:38He's done one! He's ran upstairs and hid!
0:01:42 > 0:01:44But first,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46at Greenwich in south London,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49a commercial building has been occupied by squatters.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Since squatting in residential property was criminalised,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55they're occupying a wider range of commercial buildings.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57But wherever they go,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00if the landlord gets a writ of possession in the High Court,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02the squatters can be evicted within days,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04with the help of the sheriffs.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06This morning they face a real challenge -
0:02:06 > 0:02:09the building has been barricaded by the squatters.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Can the landlord's locksmith get the sheriffs in?
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Leading the eviction is enforcement officer Conrad Van Zyl.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19We don't know how many occupants are inside. We've got a locksmith.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22With a High Court writ we've got the power to force entry
0:02:22 > 0:02:25and obtain possession back to the client.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30The landlord wants to re-develop this one-time photographic studio.
0:02:30 > 0:02:31But this is the second time
0:02:31 > 0:02:33squatters have occupied the building.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37It has several entrances, all with high-security doors.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40We are just assessing around the building
0:02:40 > 0:02:44and as soon as we find a suitable place, we will attempt to go inside.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46With the locksmith on stand-by for now,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49the sheriffs will attempt to talk their way in.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51RAPPING
0:02:51 > 0:02:52Hello?
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Hello?
0:02:54 > 0:02:55KNOCKING
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Anybody inside?
0:03:00 > 0:03:03There's no response from inside the building.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06The landlord's locksmith will now try to force entry.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09The new approach gets some attention.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Good morning. We're enforcement officers from the High Court.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14We've got a writ of possession.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- You're being evicted, want to wake everyone up? - Excuse me, what are you doing?
0:03:17 > 0:03:20We are enforcement officers from the High Court. I've got a writ of possession
0:03:20 > 0:03:22and you are getting evicted this morning.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Yeah, but nobody gave us papers or anything.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27I've got a legal document that gives me
0:03:27 > 0:03:31the power to obtain possession of this property.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33You'd better start packing your belongings.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Defeated by the jammed lock, the locksmith's going to try
0:03:36 > 0:03:38the second door.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Meanwhile, some of the squatters have come down into the alleyway.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47I've got a writ of possession for the property. You can have a look at it.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Can you not film me, please?
0:03:49 > 0:03:52While Conrad talks to the squatters,
0:03:52 > 0:03:54the locksmith attempts the second door.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56I'm showing it to you. Once inside...
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Don't film me. Put the camera away.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02This time the outer door opens.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04At the minute they've barricaded the property from the inside.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08There's a couple of them on the side of the building and we're now
0:04:08 > 0:04:13attempting a negotiation process to see whether they want to open or not.
0:04:13 > 0:04:14At the alleyway fence,
0:04:14 > 0:04:18the squatters are claiming they should have seen paperwork.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22But the sheriffs know that a live High Court writ is all they need.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Say again...
0:04:26 > 0:04:27No, that's not how it works, mate.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29That's not how it works.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31That's not how it works.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33No, no. That's not how it works.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Well, there's no point shouting from up there
0:04:37 > 0:04:40"Show me the papers" and I've got them in my hand. Come on down I'll show you it.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42I haven't got massive arms to give it up to you.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Come on down, I'll show you it.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48The roller shutter has been jammed from the inside, and won't open.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50It can't be saved.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52We'll just cut it with a grinder. Just go through it.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53SIREN WAILS
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Meanwhile, the police have arrived - called by the squatters.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- I'll tell you what it is.- Yep.- I'm a High Court enforcement officer.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- There's my badge.- Yep, lovely.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06That's the writ from the High Court that gives us
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- the power to enter the property this morning.- All right.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12The locksmith is still unable to get into the building
0:05:12 > 0:05:14but the squatters have got out.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Now that you've got out, let's talk. MAN CHATTERS
0:05:18 > 0:05:21No, no, no, listen! I'm going to explain it to you, yeah.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25Stop talking over the top of me. I've already explained to your colleague.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Listen - this is a High Court writ of possession for this property.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31You are in a commercial building, you are squatting, OK? Right -
0:05:31 > 0:05:35"Writ number 66 - Claimant..." the person that owns the property.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39"Defendant - persons unknown..." ie, you and your colleagues. Right?
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- Yeah.- A bit about the Queen, a bit about the authorised officer.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44Tells you a bit more about what I'm commanded to do,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46which means I've got to cause the complainant
0:05:46 > 0:05:48to have possession of this property which you are in.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50What else would you like to know?
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- They are still arguing about the legality of the eviction.- No, no.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57There's no talking to be had with your lawyer, you're being evicted.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00No, listen, listen, listen...
0:06:00 > 0:06:01No, listen...
0:06:01 > 0:06:03MAN CONTINUES ARGUING
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Excuse me, you keep saying you are still in a democracy, yeah?
0:06:06 > 0:06:08This gives me the power to remove you.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10You are unlawfully in this property.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Simple, OK? I've showed you it two or three times.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15I've told you who I am, I've explained this to you,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17we keep going round in circles.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19What you need to do is start packing your belongings.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Another of the squatters thinks there's something wrong with
0:06:22 > 0:06:24the date of the writ.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27But the sheriffs have heard enough, and so have the police.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Listen...so, I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt,
0:06:30 > 0:06:34this is to give you a chance to pack your belongings, otherwise he'll lock it, put a padlock on it
0:06:34 > 0:06:36and your stuff will still be in there.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39You have probably been evicted by the County Court bailiff
0:06:39 > 0:06:41which is a different process than High Court.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44County Court bailiff will tell you when he's coming
0:06:44 > 0:06:46and they'll turn up at a date and time.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47I don't...
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- Yeah.- That's how it is, I don't... - Right...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53The locksmith has gone back to the first door.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03One of the landlords has arrived.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05We can't waste longer to attempt to go in.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Is there any way we can smash this and get inside?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Although the police were called by the squatters,
0:07:12 > 0:07:17the law is on the side of the sheriffs, so now they're going to assist with the eviction.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23The locksmith ramps up his efforts.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36But as the door continues to give the locksmith trouble....
0:07:40 > 0:07:42..one of the landlord's colleagues
0:07:42 > 0:07:44arrives with something that should help.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46He has the keys.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49This one? I think this is for the front one.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54Do you want to stick your hand and see if you can open that front one, please?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- So, we're in? - We've managed to open the first door
0:07:57 > 0:07:59and now we're going through the shutter door.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00It's not a joke, is it?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05The shutter doors are still jammed from the inside
0:08:05 > 0:08:08and the police are talking to the occupants.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09When we return,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13we'll see what happens when the sheriffs get inside.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16I've got a legal document to evict you...
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Enforcement officers, known since Saxon times as sheriffs,
0:08:22 > 0:08:23have special powers
0:08:23 > 0:08:25We're High Court enforcement officers.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27We're higher than a bailiff.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Sheriffs can enter residential premises
0:08:29 > 0:08:32through an open or unlocked window or door.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Don't put your hands on me!
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Once inside, even the police can't get them out.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41If you want to phone the police, that's your prerogative, sir, not a problem at all.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44I'm not leaving, no, I'm an enforcement officer with a High Court writ.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46But refuse a sheriff entry to a commercial building...
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Your director says you're not allowed to let me in.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50..and you can't keep them out.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52I'm going to call a locksmith then, sir.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54They are permitted to force entry...
0:08:54 > 0:08:56I'll get the crowbar out of my van.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00..to seize goods or return a building to its rightful owners.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14Sheriffs Lawrence Grix
0:09:14 > 0:09:17and Kev McNally are heading down to the seaside.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20We're heading down to Hastings, down the A21.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Is that where Harold got one through the eye?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Allegedly...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Lawrence and Kev turn to the matter in hand.
0:09:28 > 0:09:29It's quarter past eight in the morning,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32we're going to a Hughenden Road Garage Limited
0:09:32 > 0:09:36on behalf of a Ms Susan Bodkin.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39And we're looking today to seize goods to the value of
0:09:39 > 0:09:42£1,857.90p.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48They're on their way to help professional puppeteer Sue Bodkin.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51And he's called Pirate Pete.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54My name is Pirate Pete...
0:09:54 > 0:09:56She's been entertaining children
0:09:56 > 0:10:00and adults with her puppet performances for more than 15 years.
0:10:00 > 0:10:06Oh, ohh! That's nice, thank you, you've got very kind children.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Sometimes she uses an innovative portable booth.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11The way my booth is made, I disappear,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14so they really can create a world of wonder for them
0:10:14 > 0:10:18and they think it's much more real than it actually is.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Sue planned to offer more ambitious puppet shows,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25but for that she would need transport.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Before, I'd just been using my small, little booth
0:10:28 > 0:10:31which I could take on a bus or walk about in.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34And I thought it was about time I make a bigger show,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38and have someone help me. I thought, "Well, I've only got a small car.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41"So, I need to get a larger vehicle."
0:10:41 > 0:10:45But I actually live on very little money and...
0:10:45 > 0:10:49I'm on, sort of, Working Tax Credit, so it can be a bit of a struggle.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Looking round for a vehicle that would fit the bill,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55she happened to pass local dealers, Hughenden Road Garage,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58when she spotted a bright-yellow van.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03I was quite excited, but I thought, "No, calm down, it might be a wreck."
0:11:03 > 0:11:08He took me out - the garage owner, Philip - and it seemed OK.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11And it wasn't too expensive.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Loving the van, she paid £400 in cash for it
0:11:14 > 0:11:19and traded in her old car, making a total of £750 for the van -
0:11:19 > 0:11:23a big investment on a small budget.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27She took it home, but just days later, she ran into problems.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31I tried to start the van and it wouldn't start
0:11:31 > 0:11:34and I noticed the warning light was on and I thought,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36"Oh, no!"
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Sue got the van restarted
0:11:38 > 0:11:42but she continued to have problems with the engine cutting out.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44I began to get more and more concerned
0:11:44 > 0:11:48because as I was driving about, the van would suddenly cut out
0:11:48 > 0:11:50and then I'd be stuck on a roundabout
0:11:50 > 0:11:54or up a hill and I felt quite scared in that position
0:11:54 > 0:11:58because I had people honking their horn, getting impatient.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01And I thought, "I don't feel safe in this vehicle
0:12:01 > 0:12:04"and I won't be able to drive it any more.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06"And I need to go back to the garage
0:12:06 > 0:12:08"and definitely sort this out for good."
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Sue asked Hughenden to fix the van
0:12:11 > 0:12:14and was told the problem was a fuel filter.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18She paid £40 to fix this and drove the van away.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21But it was far from the end of her problems.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24And the next day it was still as bad. I thought,
0:12:24 > 0:12:29"No, this is not good enough." So, I decided to go to another garage
0:12:29 > 0:12:32and get it fully checked out.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37The new garage told her the problem was the engine control unit, or ECU.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40She went back to Hughenden to demand they fix this.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Basically, he said that he could fix it for me
0:12:46 > 0:12:48but it would be another £450.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53And I said - "But...if this was the problem,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56"surely you should be fixing it?
0:12:56 > 0:13:00"Because I bought it from you and it's only a little while ago."
0:13:00 > 0:13:02DOG BARKS
0:13:02 > 0:13:05If the car wasn't fit for purpose, consumer law means
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Sue had the right to have it fixed or get a refund.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14Encouraged by her family, Sue contacted Hughenden Road Garage,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17insisting they fix the faulty van they had sold her.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Every time we tried to contact the garage by letter,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25or by telephone, he just refused to have any contact.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Sue's plans to expand her business had to be put on hold.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32And then I was left without a van and I was devastated
0:13:32 > 0:13:36because I had no way of doing my work
0:13:36 > 0:13:40and I had no vehicle to get about.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45Sue was left with no alternative but to take the garage to court.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Hughenden didn't attend the hearing,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50and a judgment was issued in Sue's favour.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52The garage then applied to have this set aside,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55but their appeal was thrown out.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00But despite the court awarding Sue £890, she's still not been paid.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Her only hope of seeing her money now rests with the sheriffs.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Lawrence and Kev have arrived at Hughenden Road Garage
0:14:14 > 0:14:16in pursuit of Sue's money.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19The garage is full of equipment the sheriffs could seize,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22but the one thing missing is the boss.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26A few minutes later, one of the engineers gets him on the phone.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Hello there, sir...
0:14:28 > 0:14:31The garage owner tells Lawrence that he's aware of the debt,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34but claims he doesn't have to pay it.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36But Lawrence knows otherwise.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38The court ordered you to pay, didn't it, sir?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Well, yes, it did.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46The owner says he'd agreed Sue would return the faulty vehicle to him,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48but as she hasn't, he won't pay.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51This is something Sue Bodkin strongly disputes.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54That's not what we're here to sort out today.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57We have a writ here ordering us to seize goods to clear this debt.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00You need to sort this out today...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03or we will strip this garage bare.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Faced with the alternative, the owner agrees to come down.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10But Lawrence warns him not to delay any further.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Quick as you can, because we do charge
0:15:12 > 0:15:14waiting time per hour that we're here.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17OK, cheers, bye-bye.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22If the owner doesn't pay, gear will be seized
0:15:22 > 0:15:26and in a workshop full of tools and equipment, there's plenty of choice.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29There's well enough equipment to warrant seizing it
0:15:29 > 0:15:32and removing it if need be. Hopefully it won't come to that.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34And then Kev spots something
0:15:34 > 0:15:37that chills even a seasoned enforcement officer.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Freddy Kruger in the corner.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Not sure we'll be taking him.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43HORROR MUSIC
0:15:43 > 0:15:47Probably quite collectable cos he's quite realistic.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Collectors' auction, he'll probably go down quite well.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52I'll list Freddy Kruger down, just in case.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58The owner's not yet in, but his son is and he's familiar with the story.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Know about the case, do you?
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Lawrence and Kev have already been at the garage over 40 minutes
0:16:10 > 0:16:12when the owner, Mr Choronik,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15the man who sold Sue her yellow van, arrives.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19Lawrence loses no time in setting out the situation.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22The bottom line is, Ms Bodkin got judgment against you
0:16:22 > 0:16:26and with all the additional court costs and our fees
0:16:26 > 0:16:30it's £1,857.90 which needs to be paid today.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33If you want to pay us in full, that will prevent further action today.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35I can't pay because I need time to sort this out.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37If you're telling me that you can't pay it
0:16:37 > 0:16:40then I'm going to call in the trucks and start emptying the place now
0:16:40 > 0:16:43because, obviously, the longer it takes, the more money it costs
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and it's quicker to get it done now
0:16:45 > 0:16:48than it is to drag out an argument for two hours.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51But the garage owner believes none of the goods can be seized.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54I can assure you that everything is personal tools
0:16:54 > 0:16:57and the rest of it's all on finance and I've got proof of all finance
0:16:57 > 0:16:59and you know you can't remove finance.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Right, do you want to get your finance paperwork?
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- I've got all my finance paperwork. - Do you want to show us that? - I can do, yes.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07You can't tell us things, you need to prove things.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10The owner phones for advice...
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- SON:- Do you want us to...?
0:17:12 > 0:17:13Yeah, come on, on your way.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16At this point, our camera is asked to stay outside.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24The owner says he can't afford to pay.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30The guy's just been on the phone to the bank to see if he can get
0:17:30 > 0:17:31his credit card limit upped.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Two and a half hours after the sheriffs walked into the garage
0:17:36 > 0:17:40a business adviser arrives at the request of the garage owner.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42He gets the owner to produce paperwork showing
0:17:42 > 0:17:44much of the kit in the garage is on finance
0:17:44 > 0:17:46and can't be seized.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49But having counted up the agreements, Lawrence believes
0:17:49 > 0:17:52one of the diagnostic machines is not on finance.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54He just has to find which one.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Obviously that one we can tie in cos of the number.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59At the moment, this one we can't.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Bingo. They find the machine owned by the garage
0:18:03 > 0:18:05and seize it to help repay Sue's debt.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10Kev's keen to get the machine into the van as quickly as possible.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13It's left the premises.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15That's theft. That is on finance.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Bring that back. - You haven't shown me the agreement.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- We're sorting it now.- My colleague's just said. Hold up. Hold up.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Wait there. My colleague's just... Lawrence!
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Yeah, on my way. - This one going?- Yes.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27This one's going. Sorry, mate.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- We've looked at... - We're trying to sort it out.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36We've looked at all of the agreements and it isn't on there.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39So, we've just got a bit of diagnostics kit here.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40Generally quite expensive.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Continue to go through the list to see what else they've got.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Hopefully there will be some other stuff that we can remove as well.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48With only one diagnostic machine,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Kev and Lawrence are keen to take some smaller items
0:18:51 > 0:18:55so that their value at auction covers the debt owed to Sue.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57These are skates.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Put them under the wheels of a car.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02It's a multi-function fuel pressure tester.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Timing tool kit for a Renault.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09It appears Freddy's coming with us for today.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12I might put him in the front with Lawrence.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14He'll be more use, wouldn't he?
0:19:14 > 0:19:16He'll be a lot more interesting to talk to.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Their equipment is disappearing out the door,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22but Hughenden Road Garage is still refusing to pay.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27The sheriffs have already been here almost four hours.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29How much longer will it take
0:19:29 > 0:19:32for Lawrence and Kev to get Sue Bodkin the money she's owed?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Back at the squat in Greenwich, it's crunch time.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45The sheriffs and plain clothes police have been explaining
0:19:45 > 0:19:48to the squatters that they will be evicted today.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49The squatters aren't cooperating.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52And even though the landlord's locksmith has failed to get
0:19:52 > 0:19:56through the barricaded doors, the sheriffs will get in.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59I'm just going to smash it to smithereens.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04Just smash it a bit. Smash it on the lock side.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05Just bash it.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18That's it. That's it. That's it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Get in.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Nice work. I've got a legal document to evict you.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- We are just packing our stuff. - Now you're packing.
0:20:30 > 0:20:31It's an arrestable offence
0:20:31 > 0:20:35if you don't adhere to the command of High Court enforcement officer.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39With the sheriffs finally inside, the mood changes.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42The majority of the squatters realise the game is up
0:20:42 > 0:20:44and start packing their things.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47You've got ten minutes to pack and leave.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50The sheriff's job now is to get the occupants packed
0:20:50 > 0:20:53and out as quickly as possible.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55When you pack up, just make sure you've got all your stuff...
0:20:55 > 0:20:58cos once you're outside you won't be able to get back inside.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Fair enough.- No problem. Thank you.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02At this stage, they have been quite helpful
0:21:02 > 0:21:04and they pack up their stuff,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07and they are most willing to leave the premises.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10The squatters are cooperating, but they still believe in their case.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Rich people have lots of property and poor people have nothing.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- The very same... - So, I believe the law is wrong.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18But I understand that you are saying this is the law and we have to leave,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20and this belongs to this person. I understand.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22I'm not in a position to question.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24I know you're not because you follow the law.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27I'm in a position to question it cos I've got a free mind.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29As the squatters prepare to leave,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Conrad assesses the state of the property.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35We don't want to be funny about the occupancy side
0:21:35 > 0:21:36and we respect everybody's beliefs,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38but it's the state and the condition
0:21:38 > 0:21:41that they are able to get these properties into,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43and that causes a lot of financial damage
0:21:43 > 0:21:45to the owners of these properties.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- Come on, young man. - Young lady.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49Come on, young lady.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54HE LAUGHS
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Although the mood is lifted, the landlord isn't as positive...
0:21:58 > 0:22:00because he's been through it all before
0:22:00 > 0:22:05with a previous group of squatters, evicted just a few months ago.
0:22:05 > 0:22:11It's just a circle of debt, cost, time...
0:22:11 > 0:22:15and it just seems you get nothing at the end of the day.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Once they take it over, they have the right to use
0:22:18 > 0:22:21all your electric, water, waste, whatever you need.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24There is no relief from the councils on it, no cost put on them.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25All on the owner again.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31It's been quite a siege, but now the sheriffs are where they want to be.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35We are inside. Now we are occupying the premises.
0:22:35 > 0:22:36They are out and we're inside.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42They're all evicted. They're in front of the premises now,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44obviously waiting to go.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48But we are happy, we're satisfied, and so is the landlord and the owner.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Last series, the sheriffs paid an early morning call
0:22:58 > 0:23:00to Leicestershire dentist John Hammond.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04He'd borrowed money from an elderly lady for a business venture,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06but hadn't paid her back.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08We're ordered here by the court today
0:23:08 > 0:23:11to seize goods to the value of £10,706.66p.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15With two High Court enforcement officers on his doorstep,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18he soon decided to pay up in full.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22You might have thought that would be the end of the matter, but it isn't.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26The elderly lady isn't the only person owed money by the dentist.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33One of the others is IT contractor Andrew Dixon
0:23:33 > 0:23:36from Kegworth in Leicestershire.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Andrew has known Mr Hammond for many years.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42I've known him since my late teens to early 20s
0:23:42 > 0:23:48as my dentist, and he's always been very affable and approachable.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50I never had any fear with him.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Andrew had been saving for his upcoming retirement,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56looking forward to spending less time working
0:23:56 > 0:24:00and more on his pastimes, like metal-working.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01His problems started when,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04during one of his regular visits to the dentist's surgery,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08they got to discussing a business plan Mr Hammond had.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13He was explaining to me that he had an interest in commercial property,
0:24:13 > 0:24:14warehouses in particular,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18and he was looking for an investment of £100,000.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21And over time we talked about it,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24and it ended up I made an investment of £10,000.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29The dentist told Andrew he'd earn 10% interest a year on his loan,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33and would receive the interest in regular instalments.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38He always backed it up with, "I have a dental practice that turns over
0:24:38 > 0:24:41"£200,000 a year, so I personally will guarantee this."
0:24:41 > 0:24:46I never felt my money would be under any risk at all.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51Andrew received two interest payments and was awaiting his third
0:24:51 > 0:24:55when Mr Hammond came back to him with another request for money.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59He approached me for a short-term loan, 60 days,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03and allow him to take up an opportunity of buying shares in a vehicle,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07which he thought was going to be very productive and rewarding.
0:25:07 > 0:25:14I loaned him £35,000, which he said would be useful for the 60 days.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19But after 60 days, the promised full repayment hadn't materialised.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Andrew chased him.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23He said to me he'd forgotten.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25And during the course of that conversation,
0:25:25 > 0:25:30he explained that he was struggling to find the money to repay me
0:25:30 > 0:25:35and would need a few more months before he'd have the money
0:25:35 > 0:25:37to pay me the £35,000.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41I also noticed there'd been a shortage of interest payments
0:25:41 > 0:25:43on the original £10,000 loan.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47I realised, after various conversations with John,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50that this money was not going to be coming back.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Andrew visited a financial advisor who told him
0:25:54 > 0:25:57he was by no means alone in being owed money by Mr Hammond.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01When I first saw the paperwork
0:26:01 > 0:26:05showing the amount that was owed by John Hammond,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08I was gobsmacked. Absolutely floored me.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14The amount John Hammond owes, my understanding is,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17it's a figure in excess of £7 million.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Knowing he was one of many owed money by Mr Hammond
0:26:20 > 0:26:24hasn't made it any easier dealing with the financial impact.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28The loss of the £45,000 has meant I've had to
0:26:28 > 0:26:32slow down preparation for retirement,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36and it's taken me some time to work out what I need to do
0:26:36 > 0:26:39and reassess my whole life.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43In an attempt to get back his money, Andrew took his ex-dentist to court.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Mr Hammond didn't contest the case
0:26:46 > 0:26:48and a judgement was issued in Andrew's favour,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51but he still hasn't been paid.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55The court awarded Andrew just under £80,000,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58but with interest, costs and sheriff's fees,
0:26:58 > 0:27:03that amount's now risen to over £87,000.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07It's now up to the sheriffs to try and get this money back.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17The £87,000 owed may be only a fraction of the £7m
0:27:17 > 0:27:21that's claimed by Mr Hammond's creditors,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24but it's a big total for enforcement officers Darryl
0:27:24 > 0:27:28and Mark to collect today.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31But they've got a good idea of what assets might be available
0:27:31 > 0:27:33to use as leverage.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36We're going to his home address. We know he's got a Jaguar,
0:27:36 > 0:27:38which we are hoping is going to be on the drive.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Get that blocked in. I don't think it's of great value.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Let's hope we can get into his house,
0:27:43 > 0:27:46put a bit of pressure on, see if we can get this money raised.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53There's no sign of the Jaguar and it doesn't seem anyone's home,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56but eventually Darryl's persistence pays off.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- Good morning.- Sorry, but I'm not having that.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Right. We're looking for John. Is he at work?
0:28:08 > 0:28:10We're High Court enforcement officers.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11Could you get him on the phone for us?
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Mr Hammond's wife tells Darryl her husband has applied for
0:28:15 > 0:28:19an individual voluntary arrangement, or IVA, a form of insolvency.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22She says it will be agreed within the week
0:28:22 > 0:28:25and makes all of his debts unenforceable.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Right. So, there's nothing in place at the moment then?
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Can you just get John on the phone for me?
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Mrs Hammond goes inside to try and get hold of husband John,
0:28:36 > 0:28:38leaving the door open.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Darryl uses his powers as a sheriff and makes peaceful entry.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Just need to wait in here.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49Mrs Hammond quickly gets her husband on the phone.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52He claims he has an interim bankruptcy order
0:28:52 > 0:28:56that protects him from creditors until the IVA is in place.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Worried, Darryl needs to know more.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03What date did this interim order come?
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Have you been given a bankruptcy number?
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Have you got any paperwork here to back that up, John?
0:29:10 > 0:29:12All right, John. Bye.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Do you want to just step in here?
0:29:16 > 0:29:18He's telling me there's no money available.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21He's telling me I can't do anything in there
0:29:21 > 0:29:22because of this interim order,
0:29:22 > 0:29:26which, if it is all above board, then that is correct.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29If Mr Hammond can prove the interim order is in place,
0:29:29 > 0:29:33the sheriffs will have to stop the enforcement.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36But until proof arrives, Darryl isn't giving up.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40He seizes goods in the house that might be set against the debt,
0:29:40 > 0:29:45then he and Mark set off in pursuit of Mr Hammond's Jaguar.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48And arriving at the surgery, there's the Jag.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51They seize it, prevent it from being driven away,
0:29:51 > 0:29:53and head to reception.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56We'll see what he's got to say for himself.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59But who's that heading inside?
0:29:59 > 0:30:00It's Mr Hammond.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05Unfortunately, the dentist has also spotted Darryl and Mark.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11He's locked us out. That's not very nice, is it?
0:30:12 > 0:30:16Morning. I've come for my molars to be done.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22While Darryl tries the polite way in, Mark checks round the back.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25And with the tradesman's entrance unlocked,
0:30:25 > 0:30:28he seizes his chance to make his own peaceful entry.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Has he locked his door?- Think so.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34But where's Mr Hammond?
0:30:34 > 0:30:38He doesn't seem keen on talking to the sheriffs.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40John?
0:30:40 > 0:30:42John?
0:30:42 > 0:30:43Come on, John!
0:30:43 > 0:30:44I was looking for John.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47John?
0:30:49 > 0:30:52We'll hang around for a bit and see if he surfaces.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53Got his car blocked in.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Darryl's not had a hider like this before.
0:30:57 > 0:30:58We've had them walk off...
0:31:00 > 0:31:01..leave us in the house,
0:31:01 > 0:31:05tell us to lock the door and be there and do one.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09But I've never... We haven't played hide-and-seek before, have we?
0:31:09 > 0:31:11With Mr Hammond refusing to come out,
0:31:11 > 0:31:16Darryl makes a call to Lawrence in the office to discuss his next step.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18He's done one. He's ran upstairs and hid!
0:31:21 > 0:31:23OK, cheers. Bye. Bye.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29Blocked the car in. 04 plate. I'll have a little look on AutoTrader.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33I'll see what the value is, but it ain't going to be 87 grand, is it?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38With Mr Hammond refusing to talk, Darryl and Mark can
0:31:38 > 0:31:41do nothing else but join the patients in the waiting room.
0:31:41 > 0:31:46After 10 minutes, Mr Hammond still doesn't want to show his face,
0:31:46 > 0:31:48but he sends an employee with the paperwork
0:31:48 > 0:31:50confirming his interim order.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Has that just come through now or is it...?
0:31:54 > 0:31:57It's a body blow for Darryl and Mark's hopes
0:31:57 > 0:32:00of getting Andrew back the money that was rightfully his.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05"No other proceedings or no execution or other legal process may be
0:32:05 > 0:32:07"commenced or continued against the debtor
0:32:07 > 0:32:10"or his property, except with the leave of court."
0:32:12 > 0:32:14The order means, for the time being,
0:32:14 > 0:32:17no debts can be collected from Mr Hammond.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21It's a disappointing end to Darryl and Mark's game of cat-and-mouse.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25The worse news for Andrew Dixon is it looks unlikely he,
0:32:25 > 0:32:27or any of Mr Hammond's many creditors,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30will ever see their money again.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35I think, by the time the bankruptcy process is followed through,
0:32:35 > 0:32:39I'll have let go fully, emotionally, and learnt my lessons
0:32:39 > 0:32:42and get on with things, which I'm starting to do now.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Although they couldn't get his money,
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Andrew is pleased he asked the sheriffs to help.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52They've tried their best and it's very pleasing to know
0:32:52 > 0:32:55they've been around, rattling his doorknob.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05At Hughenden Road Garage in Hastings, sheriffs Lawrence
0:33:05 > 0:33:08and Kev have been trying to get payment for puppeteer Sue Bodkin.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12She bought a van, which broke down only days later.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Lawrence has been patiently going through all of the garage's
0:33:15 > 0:33:18equipment, seizing items that aren't on finance.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24Now, after more than four hours, garage owner Philip Choronik
0:33:24 > 0:33:26realises the sheriffs won't be put off.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32When the sheriffs visit, the debtor must pay their fees.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Lawrence and Kev have been kept waiting for hours...
0:33:38 > 0:33:41..so the total bill is now £2,500.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48We've stood around and waited and waited and waited.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51We've looked at every piece of paperwork you've...
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Look, I've said I'll cut it to two-and-a-half,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56which, by the time the money gets here, will be three, so I'm basically
0:33:56 > 0:34:02knocking 500 quid off your bill, plus the other however many hundred
0:34:02 > 0:34:05would go on as soon as we turn away from here to the auctioneer's.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09So I know it doesn't seem like it because there's a lot on top,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12but you're getting a good deal at two-and-a-half.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15When she came here, we did say, if we're going to be here all day,
0:34:15 > 0:34:17then you're charging waiting time.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18If you're going to do it, do it now.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21If the two-and-a-half grand arrives, we'll unload the van,
0:34:21 > 0:34:23leave your paperwork and we'll be on our way. Simple as that.
0:34:23 > 0:34:28The owner agrees, but says he can't afford £2,500.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Lawrence settles for £2,000 now,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33with an agreement for the rest to be paid later.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Now the owner wants to put his side of the story.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Bearing in mind this is a year ago
0:34:39 > 0:34:42and she's had this van for all this time, she only tells me
0:34:42 > 0:34:45out of court afterwards that she's got rid of the van,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47so I just walked off and said, well, get me the van
0:34:47 > 0:34:49and I'll give you the £750 back,
0:34:49 > 0:34:53not knowing that I probably had to go back into the court at the time
0:34:53 > 0:34:57to actually understand, to say to the judge that, but I didn't.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02I just thought it was game over, finished, and I haven't got
0:35:02 > 0:35:05the van back and I've just been given a load of grief.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08But the court didn't order Sue to return the van
0:35:08 > 0:35:11and, on legal advice, she disposed of it.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13The court did order the garage to pay up
0:35:13 > 0:35:16and that's what they're doing now.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19The money will be paid on a card by the owner's wife.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22To make it as quick as possible, the sheriffs, the owner
0:35:22 > 0:35:25and the seized goods are all on their way to meet her.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27So we're off to Eastbourne,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30it's basically to save the effort of going...
0:35:30 > 0:35:32the debtor going there and back.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35We're following them there, we'll take the payment from them there
0:35:35 > 0:35:38and then we'll make our way from there.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41The garage owner still disputes how much he has to pay.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43But Lawrence points out that the only way
0:35:43 > 0:35:47he'll stop the total going up any more is to settle now.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52We got there at 8.30. It's 2.30. That's six hours.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56If your wife's got £2,000 now, she had £2,000 at 8.30 this morning.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59You live in Eastbourne, you could have come and seen her this morning,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01got her card, come up and paid it
0:36:01 > 0:36:03and we'd have been six hours better off.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05If you're not going to pay, I'll leave you some paperwork.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07I'm willing to pay £2,000, that's it.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09No, because if you pay £2,000,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- it still leaves it open for them to come down the workshop.- Oh.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14I'm totally in dispute over this and you know I am
0:36:14 > 0:36:17because it started off as a £750 debt.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20It started off as a £750 debt.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23But the sheriffs are here to collect today's debt,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27which arose because the garage didn't refund Sue Bodkin her money
0:36:27 > 0:36:29and then didn't pay when the court ordered.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33As a compromise, Lawrence says that £2,000 can be paid now
0:36:33 > 0:36:36and the rest of the debt settled by payment plan,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39paying off a small amount each month.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40It still has to be paid,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43but it'll be X amount a month as opposed to a big lump.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Finally, they do agree to pay.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49But disaster strikes -
0:36:49 > 0:36:51the card machine isn't working.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53I've literally just turned it on
0:36:53 > 0:36:56and it's coming up, "Return terminal to base station."
0:36:56 > 0:36:59As Lawrence works out how to take the money off him,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Mr Choronik reflects on the case.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06Unfortunately, I seem to have mucked up on this one, because...
0:37:06 > 0:37:08What with the shortfall of paperwork
0:37:08 > 0:37:10and not going back into court afterwards,
0:37:10 > 0:37:12when the judge sent us out.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15So that's it. Yeah, very unhappy.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Now it seems there's a problem with the phone mast in Eastbourne.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22So they all set off in search of a signal.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26What are we going to do if we're not getting a signal? Nothing we can do.
0:37:26 > 0:37:27I don't know.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29But it becomes clear the problem is the machine
0:37:29 > 0:37:33and it isn't going to be fixed, so they all pull over.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37What I propose we do is we go our separate ways,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40you make your payment by whatever method
0:37:40 > 0:37:42and then we'll bring your stuff back.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46It's our fault the damn machine isn't working,
0:37:46 > 0:37:51so, you know, I'll put myself out now to sort it out. Yeah?
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Lawrence and Kev drive the seized goods away.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56It's not been a great end to the day.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58That's as bad as it could yet.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Nightmare On Elm Street? Nightmare in Hastings!
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Nightmare in Hastings.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05All in all, really, we were about eight hours
0:38:05 > 0:38:08and didn't manage to secure a payment.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11So we've still got the goods in the vehicle.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Freddie has got to stay with us overnight tonight.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17And I'll be returning him in the morning.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18Is that the oddest thing we've taken?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20- Um...- It's one of the most peculiar.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22It's got to be getting there, hasn't it?
0:38:22 > 0:38:23Get you home.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26But the nightmare had a happy ending.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30Some days later, the garage entered into a payment plan
0:38:30 > 0:38:33and puppeteer Sue Bodkin finally got the money
0:38:33 > 0:38:36that is rightfully hers, in full.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Sue is visiting a unique piece
0:38:38 > 0:38:41by Britain's best-known street artist, Banksy.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42She's chosen this location
0:38:42 > 0:38:46because she knows her favourite sheriff, Kev, is a Banksy fan.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50So was it worth taking her claim all the way to the sheriffs?
0:38:50 > 0:38:53It shows that if you are struggling
0:38:53 > 0:38:57and someone takes you for a ride...
0:38:57 > 0:38:59that, if you find the courage, you can go forward
0:38:59 > 0:39:03and fight for your rights and get people made accountable.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06I'm really, really grateful to the enforcers for all they've done.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09So, thanks, Kevin and Lawrence.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21On a sunny afternoon in Norwich,
0:39:21 > 0:39:24enforcement officers Darryl and Mark are on their way
0:39:24 > 0:39:27to a rather different sort of debtor.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30It's not the usual small business.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32The company they're about to visit
0:39:32 > 0:39:35is the world's sixth largest insurance company.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42We're going to Aviva Insurance today in the centre of Norwich.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47It's not a huge debt, it's just over £1,600.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50They have paid a substantial payment anyway.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55For whatever reason, the full balance was never paid, so they've...
0:39:55 > 0:39:59obviously upgraded now to the High Court, so we're there to enforce it.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05The case centred around an insurance claim on behalf of a child.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Aviva paid the claim amount, but failed to pay the legal costs.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12The sheriffs are here to get the money that's owed.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21It's like our usual sort of line of work, isn't it?
0:40:21 > 0:40:25Yeah, just a normal, run-of-the-mill job, isn't it?
0:40:25 > 0:40:29Reinforcement officers from the High Court, we need to speak to somebody.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- I'll just get somebody down. - If you could, please.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Take a seat, gentlemen, I'll get someone down for you.
0:40:34 > 0:40:35OK, brilliant, thank you.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38This is one building Darryl and Mark don't mind
0:40:38 > 0:40:40having a bit of a wait in.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- The Marble Hall. - It's very nice, isn't it?
0:40:46 > 0:40:50But the sumptuous surroundings aren't just easy on the eye.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53The room is chock-full of potentially valuable
0:40:53 > 0:40:55and seizable decorations.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57But, before we can get a closer look at them,
0:40:57 > 0:41:01more senior staff arrive and ask us to leave the premises.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Remaining inside, Darryl outlines what he's there for.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09We've got a High Court writ to execute.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12You have paid just under £3,000,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15so I don't know why the remainder hasn't been paid.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18The Aviva representative tells Darryl
0:41:18 > 0:41:21he'll need to look into the case but that, whatever happens,
0:41:21 > 0:41:23he won't be able to pay the sheriffs today.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27However, he's happy for them to carry out a walking possession,
0:41:27 > 0:41:30listing goods that could be removed and sold
0:41:30 > 0:41:32if they don't pay the next day.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Mark gets listing.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36I didn't need to seize much.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Everything's made of marble in there. I seized, er...
0:41:39 > 0:41:44a few marble items, really. A few things in the glass cabinets.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47A few minutes later, the Aviva man's back.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49He confirms he can't pay today
0:41:49 > 0:41:51but will put a bank transfer in place,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54which might take a few days to go through.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Give us some printed proof that's going, I can give you a receipt.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59- We know you're not going anywhere. - Yeah.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02And, with that, the walking possession is signed
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- and the enforcement is over. - Yeah, that was a good result.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09It's all been paid in full, paid just over £1,600,
0:42:09 > 0:42:12direct into our account by BACS.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14It was a bit of an oversight on their half.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16They had a look into it,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19they paid a substantial amount but it was just a small...
0:42:19 > 0:42:21small bit that was missed for some reason.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24So it's all cleared up now, so that's a good result.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Following Darryl and Mark's visit, the payment did clear.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31It's further proof that, whether your debt is from a small business
0:42:31 > 0:42:35or one of the very biggest, it can be recovered by a High Court writ.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41Aviva told us the judgement related to a claim involving an infant
0:42:41 > 0:42:45and that they had paid the damages owed to the claimant promptly
0:42:45 > 0:42:48and in full, as well as the majority of the costs.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50They said a misunderstanding over
0:42:50 > 0:42:54whether the costs were negotiated to a lower level led to an oversight
0:42:54 > 0:42:58in paying the remaining balance and hence the delay in payment.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00They said they did not know about the latter claim
0:43:00 > 0:43:03until the visit of the enforcement officers and, had they known,
0:43:03 > 0:43:07they would have paid before any judgement had been issued.