0:00:02 > 0:00:03Let's go and introduce ourselves.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05We're High Court enforcement officers.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08We're here today to execute a High Court writ.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Their job is to get you your money back.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13It's an arrestable offence to stop me doing my job.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15If you've been ripped off and don't know where to turn...
0:00:15 > 0:00:17I'm not waiting any more.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19I'm ordered to seize goods to clear this debt,
0:00:19 > 0:00:21which would mean clearing this place out.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25If you've been to court but still not been paid what you're owed...
0:00:25 > 0:00:26Why don't you just tell me who you are?
0:00:26 > 0:00:29This is an absolute crock, you need to pay this.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32It's time to call The Sheriffs.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- I've seized your car, sir. - Let us through the door or we'll go through the window.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Whoa, whoa, whoa.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40They're enforcement officers 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.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Coming up, golfer David Stefanovic had a 12-hour delay
0:00:51 > 0:00:56on his flight home, but airline Jet2 hasn't paid his compensation.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Regulations say they're due to pay compensation,
0:00:59 > 0:01:01and that's what they should do.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Sheriffs Chris and Steve check out the check-in.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06We need to speak to somebody in regards to a High Court writ.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08But can they get Jet2 to pay?
0:01:10 > 0:01:14In Lancashire, sheriff Pete pops into a camper van company.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16You need to put them off for 20 minutes
0:01:16 > 0:01:18and do this, I think, cos it's more serious.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Can he get a disgruntled former customer the money he's owed?
0:01:21 > 0:01:23Recovery truck's en route.
0:01:23 > 0:01:24When he arrives in about 40 minutes,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26obviously some vehicles will be going.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30And in Birmingham, a Chinese education centre
0:01:30 > 0:01:34owes a former student £34,000.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38But when sheriffs Tom and Craig visit, they can't identify the boss.
0:01:38 > 0:01:39We've met a gentleman here
0:01:39 > 0:01:42who wasn't prepared to tell me who his name was.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46The money isn't paid, so the sheriffs start seizing computers.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- Oh, hey!- Sir, get your hands off me.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55In West Yorkshire, it's the sort of weather that makes some people
0:01:55 > 0:01:58think of jetting off to sunnier climes.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00But for sheriffs Chris Pearson and Steve Hockborn,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02the only warmth they'll feel
0:02:02 > 0:02:04as a result of their visit to Leeds Bradford Airport
0:02:04 > 0:02:06will come from knowing they've helped someone
0:02:06 > 0:02:09to get the money that's rightfully theirs.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- MAN CHUCKLES - What was that?
0:02:12 > 0:02:17I've just seen the price list. You'll have to sell your van to get it back.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21They're £2 for 30 minutes, £6 for an hour, and then it just went up.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25Right, we're at Leeds Bradford Airport, looking for Jet2.com.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29We're here on behalf of David Stefanovic
0:02:29 > 0:02:33and Mrs Catherine Stefanovic, who are owed a relatively small sum,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37to be honest. It's £1,788.73.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40So what we're looking to do is go to the Jet2 desk.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43We'll probably be invited up to the office.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47And we'll take it from there, see what happens when we get there.
0:02:47 > 0:02:48Should be pretty straightforward,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50it normally is when it comes to airlines.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Should be straight in, straight out, no problems,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55but you never know, we'll see when we get there.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01The man the sheriffs are helping today is David Stefanovic.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03His profession is chartered accountancy,
0:03:03 > 0:03:08but his passion is golf, and that's what he likes to do on holiday.
0:03:08 > 0:03:1220 years ago, we discovered a really nice resort
0:03:12 > 0:03:13called Lagos in the Western Algarve,
0:03:13 > 0:03:18so every year I take the opportunity to book an apartment so that I,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21my wife and any family members who happen to be free at the time,
0:03:21 > 0:03:26we can all meet up in Lagos and have a really good holiday.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29In August 2012, David and his wife Catherine
0:03:29 > 0:03:32went on their annual holiday to Portugal.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Two weeks booked of pure rest and relaxation.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Their holiday teed off brilliantly...
0:03:39 > 0:03:43..with David playing like a tiger on the golf course.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45And we had a fantastic time. The weather was perfect
0:03:45 > 0:03:47and it's always nice to say I played quite well.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50I came back from the holiday feeling quite good about my game.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52You want it to run smoothly.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55The last thing you need on a holiday is a hiccup either at the start,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57or even at the end. You just want it to go...
0:03:57 > 0:03:59You just want it to be plain sailing there.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03The hiccup occurred on their flight back home.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08Not the result of too much bubbly, but thanks to airline Jet2.com.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10It was about ten minutes into the flight, er,
0:04:10 > 0:04:14the captain came onto the Tannoy to say that unfortunately,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16there was a problem with the aircraft,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20and because of that, they had decided they would have to go back to Faro.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22The captain explained a little bit more.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24He said, "Unfortunately we can't land
0:04:24 > 0:04:26"until we've used up some of this fuel,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29"the aircraft has to be of a weight to land safely."
0:04:29 > 0:04:34An hour and a quarter later, the 140 passengers landed safely.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Then they spent another hour on the plane
0:04:36 > 0:04:38while engineers tried to fix the problem.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Eventually, they got to the point where they said,
0:04:40 > 0:04:41"Sorry, we can't fix this.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43"We're going to have to take you off the aircraft."
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Although there were Jet2.com staff on the ground,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49they themselves really didn't know what was going on
0:04:49 > 0:04:51in terms of how we would be delayed.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Finally, passengers were informed that the plane couldn't be fixed,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58and they would have to wait for a replacement to arrive from Italy.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00It's frustrating, it's just inconvenient,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and there's nothing you can do about it yourself.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07You are totally dependent on Jet2.com sorting this out for you.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09They gave everybody a five euro voucher so they could go
0:05:09 > 0:05:13and feed and water themselves, which was quite tricky in Faro Airport.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16The spare jet finally arrived from Italy
0:05:16 > 0:05:18and was ready to take them home.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21In total, they were over 12 hours late.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27David was disappointed with how Jet2 dealt with the delay.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31He was determined to get what he was entitled to and sought legal advice.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34The regulations say they're due to pay compensation,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36and that's what they should do.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Determined to get what was rightfully owed to him,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42he and his wife wrote separate letters to Jet2,
0:05:42 > 0:05:44explaining they were on the 12-hour delayed flight,
0:05:44 > 0:05:49and under European legislation they were entitled to compensation.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51The response was mixed.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Jet2.com didn't ever get round to acknowledging my letter.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56I was just completely ignored.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59But my wife got a letter back saying, on this occasion,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01they'd looked into the complaint,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04but they had decided that it was a delay, certainly,
0:06:04 > 0:06:05but it was beyond their control,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08and therefore there was no compensation due.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11But no details in the letter, it was simply "not our fault."
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Over the next few months,
0:06:14 > 0:06:19David wrote Jet2.com further letters asking for more details.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20But there was no response.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24I think the disappointing thing, from a customer experience,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26is that we just felt we were being completely ignored.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Or fobbed off, in effect.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31David wrote again, threatening legal action
0:06:31 > 0:06:33if they didn't supply more information.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35But again, there was no response.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39This was the final straw, and David took the matter to court.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Jet2 didn't contest the case,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45and a judgment was issued in the Stefanovics' favour,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47awarding them 400 euros each.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51But like the flights, the payment is delayed.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55To get what's rightfully his, David has called in the sheriffs.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06The weather at Leeds Bradford Airport is distinctly un-Portuguese.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Ah, it's lovely. This is summer up here.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Jet2 is based here, so Chris and Steve are heading
0:07:13 > 0:07:17for the airport check-in desks in pursuit of David's money.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Jet2 isn't hard to spot.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21We're from the High Court.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Just need to speak to somebody in regards to a High Court writ.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- A High Court writ?- Yeah, there's been a High Court writ issued.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Our camera is asked to take the emergency exit.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36Inside, Chris and Steve are taken to meet the Jet2 boss.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39With the sheriffs in their office wielding a High Court writ,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Jet2.com consult their lawyers.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Following a recent European Court ruling,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50dozens of airlines are being pursued by thousands of passengers
0:07:50 > 0:07:54for the compensation they are due for flight delays.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58It's not long before Jet2.com agree the debt should be settled,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02and as soon as they have worked out how to pay, they do.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05We spoke to the front desks and they contacted head of security,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08who came down, took us up to the main office.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10There wasn't much ado about anything,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12everything went pretty smoothly, to be honest.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15They didn't ask why the debt was outstanding,
0:08:15 > 0:08:16who it was outstanding to.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20All they asked for was a court reference, which we gave them,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23er, and they got the information they needed from that.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24They were quite happy to pay.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Relatively speaking, it was pretty brisk.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Got rid of it quite quickly, so, yeah, we're happy with that.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33It was fine, nice comfortable seats. Couple of cups of coffee.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Bit of chat. That was about it.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40And even happier than the rain-soaked sheriffs
0:08:40 > 0:08:45is the man delayed by Jet2, David Stefanovic.
0:08:45 > 0:08:46I'm really pleased.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51It's disappointing in a way that Jet2.com kind of left it
0:08:51 > 0:08:54to this stage that I felt I needed to employ the sheriffs,
0:08:54 > 0:08:59but I think it demonstrates just what can be done if you're minded to.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03For the effort that was involved, it's been an interesting exercise,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07but I think in the end of the day, I'm really pleased with the outcome.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Jet2 told us that a miscommunication
0:09:11 > 0:09:13between their solicitors and the courts
0:09:13 > 0:09:16led to the default judgment and lack of payment.
0:09:16 > 0:09:17They said they'd reviewed
0:09:17 > 0:09:20their compensation review processes in light of this.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22They added that given the size of the debt,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26they were very surprised by the extreme way the writ was served.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32There have been sheriffs since Saxon times.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Who's the sheriff? Are you the sheriff?
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Today, they're called enforcement officers of the High Court.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41We are High Court enforcement officers.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46We're ordered here today to seize goods to the value of £1,640.95.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52They can go to any address in England and Wales to enforce a writ.
0:09:52 > 0:09:53I've run a trace on the company.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56I'm not leaving, I'm an enforcement officer with a High Court writ.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59Whatever the weather...
0:10:02 > 0:10:04..and whatever the time...
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Just after 5 o'clock at the moment.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11..whether it's planes, boats, bikes, or even livestock...
0:10:11 > 0:10:14The full amount - we're going to remove vehicles to that value.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19..they can seize goods to remove and sell at auction if necessary,
0:10:19 > 0:10:21to get YOU back your money.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25It needs to be paid today or we will be removing goods.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29If you have a county court judgment of over £600,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31you can pay £60 to take it to the High Court
0:10:31 > 0:10:34for enforcement by the sheriffs.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- The claimant has sent us out to collect the money.- Yeah.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39They've gone to the High Court, that's why we've become involved.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41If they're successful...
0:10:41 > 0:10:42Yay!
0:10:42 > 0:10:44..there's no more to pay.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46If not, there's a £60 admin fee.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51You've been going on for four hours, 45 minutes.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54If you're acting on his authority to pay it, pay it!
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Enforcement officer Pete Spencer is heading into the northwest
0:11:05 > 0:11:08on behalf of a claimant who's turned to the sheriffs to get him
0:11:08 > 0:11:11a substantial sum of money he's owed.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14We're heading up to Tarleton,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18looking for over £12,000 today from this company.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21I don't know if it's a private address we're attending
0:11:21 > 0:11:23or the company address.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25But the enforcement address we've been given, um,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28potentially could be a private address.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31It's in connection with a vehicle that's been sold to the claimant,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34um, and the claimant's made a claim back.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Obviously, he's not been happy with the vehicle.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41So that's the reason for our attendance today.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47The money is owed to the purchaser of a custom-converted VW van,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50from a company called Extra Special Vehicles.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53When it eventually arrived, the vehicle was anything
0:11:53 > 0:11:57but extra special and had numerous faults.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00The owner has been fighting to get his money back ever since,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02and took the company to court.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06He also complained about them on a camper-van website.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Extra Special Vehicles then sued him for libel.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14They lost both cases, but the money hasn't arrived.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16It's time for the sheriffs to help.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24The address Pete's been sent to
0:12:24 > 0:12:27doesn't look much like a vehicle conversion company -
0:12:27 > 0:12:29extra special or otherwise.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31It's looking like it might be a private, er,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33private residence down here.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36It's not unusual for companies to have a registered,
0:12:36 > 0:12:38or mailing address at someone's home.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- So Pete presses on. - DOOR BELL RINGS
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Hiya. I'm an enforcement officer. I've got a High Court writ.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49I'm looking for Extra Special Vehicles.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Is there somebody here that I can speak to regarding that?
0:12:51 > 0:12:55The woman says Pete should speak to her husband, Mr Pendlebury,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57who runs Extra Special Vehicles.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59He's not at home today,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02but instead at the industrial unit where he works.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Pete heads off to find him.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07The lady there's confirmed he does operate from there
0:13:07 > 0:13:09and he's just got some lads working there for him,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12although she believes he's not going to return there today.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15More than likely, there will be assets belonging to
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Extra Special Vehicles at that address.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21So it's back on the road for Pete.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23He heads off, looking for an industrial unit
0:13:23 > 0:13:25where the business should be.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29This looks quite residential as well, doesn't it?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32There's some units over there behind those houses, so...
0:13:32 > 0:13:34I think that's where it's going to be.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Finally, Pete locates his target.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41And as expected, there are plenty of valuable vehicles on site.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45And something unexpected too.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Hiya.- Are you after someone? - Yeah, Extra Special Vehicles.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- That's me, yeah.- All right, OK.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54I'm an enforcement officer.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57I've got a High Court writ to attend here today.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00This is Mr Pendlebury, the owner himself.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- Can you just give us a... - Yes, sure, yeah.- Yeah.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04We might be half an hour or so with these lads.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06They've just come from Holland today.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Is that all right? - That's fine. Yeah.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Mr Pendlebury wants to attend
0:14:10 > 0:14:13to some customers before he talks to Pete,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15perhaps unaware that Pete's about to start listing vehicles
0:14:15 > 0:14:19to be seized and towed today.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20Right, I'll go back in and see
0:14:20 > 0:14:22if I can get any joy out of what he's doing now.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26But just then, Pete spots something that might prove useful.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30That's the key for that. That's nice, isn't it? Does that work?
0:14:30 > 0:14:34If it comes to towing vehicles, having the keys will certainly help.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38But that won't be necessary if Mr Pendlebury pays up in full.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41We've come to collect £12,056.76.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45I've got a High Court writ. I'm executing it today.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49For the full amount - we're going to remove vehicles to that value.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51I've got these two lads that've come from Holland this morning.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54I'd better sort these kids out and get them out of the way.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Is that the VW over there? The black transporter outside?
0:14:57 > 0:14:58- No, that's a customer's vehicle, that.- OK.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01You'll have to inform your customer that it's been seized.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Pete knows he may have seized vehicles that belong to customers.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07The owners will have to prove ownership
0:15:07 > 0:15:09to prevent them being towed.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Have you got any means of payment today?- Um...
0:15:12 > 0:15:15I don't know just yet. Is there any chance you guys can come back?
0:15:15 > 0:15:17No, no.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- I can't come back. - Where do we go from here, then?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- When I say come back, I mean today.- No, we can't do that.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- We'll potentially be looking to remove goods today.- OK.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Mr Pendlebury wants to deal with two customers from Holland.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Pete thinks he should pay attention to the serious threat
0:15:32 > 0:15:36to his business of having vehicles and equipment seized.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38I'm just going to show him where they make the frames for it.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40I suggest you should really be dealing with this.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44You need to start putting them off for 20 minutes and doing this, I think, cos it's more serious.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- The owner calls his wife and puts Pete on.- Hiya.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Yeah.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56- Yeah.- She says she's about to apply to have the judgment set aside.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59She thinks it will stop the enforcement in its tracks.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Have you got a number there that I can ring you back on?
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Pete knows an application doesn't prevent enforcement,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10but phones the office to find out exactly what's going on.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14You'll like this one. He's rung his wife up.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17She's just said to me she spoke to somebody called Andrew.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20He's advised her to apply for an N244 this afternoon.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23But while Pete was on the phone,
0:16:23 > 0:16:27the owner has headed off with his two Dutch customers to look
0:16:27 > 0:16:32at pop-up roofs for campervans, leaving his mobile phone behind.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35The now phoneless Mr Pendlebury can't be contacted.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40We'll return to Lancashire to see if Pete gets the van owner his money.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52High Court enforcement officers
0:16:52 > 0:16:56will go to any address in England and Wales to enforce a writ,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58no matter how large or small the company.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Today, Darryl Oreton is on his way to Birmingham
0:17:03 > 0:17:07to one of the country's largest insurance companies, Direct Line.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I'm just coming into Birmingham city centre now.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15The defendant is Direct Line insurance.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18They're looking for just over £12,000.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20Quite a large amount.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Got to be one of the leading insurance companies, aren't they?
0:17:25 > 0:17:28So, yeah. Not short of a few quid, let's put it that way.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32The claim is being made by Davinder Ubhi.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35When his BMW was in an accident,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38he had it repaired by a Direct Line-approved garage,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40but there were numerous problems.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Eventually, he had them fixed by another garage
0:17:43 > 0:17:47and sent the bill to Direct Line, but they refused to pay.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51When he took Direct Line to court, they didn't contest the case
0:17:51 > 0:17:54and an award was made in Davinder's favour.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55But it was never paid.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Although £12,000 is a lot to Davinder,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05with revenues of over 4 billion,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08it should be a drop in the ocean for Direct Line.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13With High Court writ in hand, Darryl heads in to ask for the money.
0:18:13 > 0:18:14Afternoon.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Um... I'm a High Court enforcement officer.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21High Court enforcement officer.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25I need to speak to somebody managerial or in accounts.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- I'll see if I can contact someone. - OK.- Take a seat.- Yeah, thank you.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Darryl's only too happy to take the comfy seat.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36But it's more than just a chance to have a sit-down.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41Just listing a few assets of what's here. Not a great deal!
0:18:43 > 0:18:47He gets to work inspecting assets he could potentially remove.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53Just these four sofas, two coffee tables and that big yellow picture!
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Depends who the artist is there, but a few hundred pounds,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59I would have thought.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00Moments later,
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- a Direct Line representative comes down to talk to him.- Hiya.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08I'll just show you my ID. I'm a High Court enforcement officer.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10We're here to execute a High Court writ.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13It's against Direct Line Insurance plc.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- It's on behalf of a Davinder Ubhi. - Right, OK.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I'm here to collect just over £12,000.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- Can I just take that with me for a second?- Yeah, of course you can.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Yeah.- And I'll be back.- OK.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28After another brief wait, a second man comes down to deal with Darryl.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- He asks our camera to leave.- Hiya.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39The man says the matter relating to the writ is still in dispute
0:19:39 > 0:19:42and that Direct Line have applied for a stay on the writ
0:19:42 > 0:19:45as they want to have the judgment set aside.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48But neither of these has yet been granted,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51and Darryl's writ is still very much live.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55There's two options for you to go down at the moment. Um...
0:19:57 > 0:19:59..seizure of goods which, obviously,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01we don't really want to go down that route.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05The only other route is for you to pay this money today.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09It's held by law for 14 days, giving you the right to appeal.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12The man insists he's not going to pay the writ today.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Darryl agrees to take walking possession
0:20:15 > 0:20:17of Direct Line's assets instead.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22What I will do, I'll make a list of assets worth this value, OK?
0:20:22 > 0:20:24And I'll give you seven days
0:20:24 > 0:20:28to either pay in full or get it resolved.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Darryl's taken to view what's on offer for his seizure list.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38It's mainly office furniture and computers, and he lists it all.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41They're now technically the property of the High Court.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44If Direct Line don't win their set-aside,
0:20:44 > 0:20:46it acts as a guarantee on the debt.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49So, they weren't going to pay any money there and then.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Realistically, we weren't going to be removing any goods from there.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57So, we made a seizure of goods. Pretty much all office equipment.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00We're looking at about 500 monitors,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03250 hard drives, keyboards, desks, chairs.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Just general office equipment, but a lot of it.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10I've given seven days to pay in full...
0:21:11 > 0:21:15..or for them to hurry on their court action, really.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18They want their day in court, pretty much,
0:21:18 > 0:21:22so if they go back to court and lose, I'm sure they'll pay.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25And since we filmed,
0:21:25 > 0:21:29Direct Line's application for a set-aside was dismissed.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Davinder Ubhi now has his money.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Direct Line told us that they had tried to engage with Mr Ubhi
0:21:36 > 0:21:40to better understand his allegations about the disputed repair work
0:21:40 > 0:21:42and resolve the matter.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44They said, at the time, they had received the court's order.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47These discussions remained outstanding
0:21:47 > 0:21:49and their solicitors had applied to the court
0:21:49 > 0:21:50to have the judgment reviewed
0:21:50 > 0:21:54but this was not processed in time to prevent the sheriffs' visit.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Near Preston in Lancashire, Sheriff Pete Spencer has been trying
0:22:06 > 0:22:10to recover over £12,000 from Extra Special Vehicles
0:22:10 > 0:22:13on behalf of a disgruntled campervan owner.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17He bought a custom-converted campervan from the company,
0:22:17 > 0:22:21but when it arrived, it had numerous faults.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24The owner's been trying to get his money back ever since.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27The business owner, Mr Pendlebury,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30has ignored Pete's pleas to deal with his debt
0:22:30 > 0:22:32and has been away with customers for over an hour.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Mr Pendlebury's wife just applied to the court
0:22:37 > 0:22:41to get the judgment set aside, but Pete knows this doesn't prevent him
0:22:41 > 0:22:45enforcing today, so he passes the news onto the wife.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48Hi, it's Mr Spencer.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Obviously, an application doesn't stop the enforcement process.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55It's just an application, and that could take a couple of weeks
0:22:55 > 0:22:57or even a month to be heard by a judge.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59We're here to enforce the live writ,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01and the High Court writ is live, as of today.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04With the owner still away,
0:23:04 > 0:23:08it's looking more likely Pete will have to seize goods.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11He doesn't want Mr Pendlebury's white campervan
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- making any unexpected journeys. - Potentially looking at taking this.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17So we'll just block this in.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23And we'll wait for the defendant's wife to give us a call back.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Just then, a man turns up, claiming he owns the black van.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29He says he's the one who does up the interiors
0:23:29 > 0:23:32and is keen to show off his handiwork.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Look at her! She's mint. Fridge here.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43DVD player. And that drops down into a bed. And there's a bed up there.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47But Pete is only interested in who owns it.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49All I need to see is proof of purchase, that's all.
0:23:50 > 0:23:56- So, an invoice or anything like that? - Yeah.- Yeah?- Do I need to get it now?
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Well, we booked a recovery truck. He's coming back in half an hour.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03No, it can't be moved until... It's property of the court at the moment.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04- This is?- Yeah.- How can it be?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07It can be, because we've not determined who owns it yet.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Pete still doesn't care about the bus
0:24:10 > 0:24:13but realises he might learn something useful.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- What's this worth, finished, then? - 20 grand, that is.- Is it?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- That's what I knock them out at, anyway.- Right.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23I've not sold any of that yet.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25THEY LAUGH
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Even if it fetches nothing like that at auction,
0:24:28 > 0:24:32the surprisingly high value of the vans makes them well worth seizing.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35But Pete would prefer the debtor to pay up.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39He calls the owner's wife to see if she can persuade him.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Has he no means of any payment today whatsoever
0:24:41 > 0:24:45to not have them removed or anything? OK, thank you. Bye-bye.
0:24:45 > 0:24:51With no prospect of payment, Pete arranges the tow truck.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55You're just showing off now, aren't you? He's not back now.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- He's coming back.- Is that what he said?- About an hour ago, yeah.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00He's on his way. Sat in traffic.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01Have you spoke to him?
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I've only spoke to his wife.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06He's left his mobile here, so I can't speak to him.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Mr Pendlebury told Pete he'd be away for half an hour.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Finally, over two hours later, he's back.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- Have you brought some money or...? - No.- No? Right, OK.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23Recovery truck's en route
0:25:23 > 0:25:26so when he arrives in about 40 minutes,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28obviously some vehicles will be going.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Pete's powers of persuasion fail to get the owner to pay,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36so now he's going to exercise his power to seize goods.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37The tow truck arrives.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40He's not paid. We're removing one vehicle today,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43which he said is his. He's given us the key for the vehicle now.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Taken some stuff out of it.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49He did a walking possession agreement for the remainder of the goods on site, basically.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52And with the truck loaded for towing,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Pete has done what he can to recover the money.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59We've removed one vehicle, we've seized all the other vehicles.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01He's now got five days to pay
0:26:01 > 0:26:03or this particular vehicle goes to auction
0:26:03 > 0:26:06to recover the outstanding. He's done a walking possession agreement
0:26:06 > 0:26:09for the remainder of the items in the warehouse,
0:26:09 > 0:26:14ie, the compressor, the paint and everything else,
0:26:14 > 0:26:18so obviously, if he doesn't pay, we'll be back to remove those items.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Thanks to the sheriffs, the disappointed van owner
0:26:22 > 0:26:24WILL be getting his money.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26I think he's looking to try and raise the funds
0:26:26 > 0:26:28and pay in full and get it cleared.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Since we filmed, a stay was granted on the writ
0:26:32 > 0:26:36and the campervan was returned to Extra Special Vehicles,
0:26:36 > 0:26:38pending a further court hearing.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47On a bright morning in the Midlands,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51enforcement officers Tom Coyle and Craig Wild
0:26:51 > 0:26:53are in pursuit of business
0:26:53 > 0:26:57that's likely to challenge Tom's linguistic prowess.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58Right, we're in Birmingham today.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01We're after a David Xiang
0:27:01 > 0:27:04and Shidai Education.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09It's £34,311.74.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13The £34,000 Tom and Craig are hoping to collect today
0:27:13 > 0:27:17was awarded by the court to a former pupil
0:27:17 > 0:27:21who was in dispute with the Shidai Education Centre.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22But they haven't paid up,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25so the sheriffs have been ordered in.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31It's the Chinese quarter.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34You've got the Chinese supermarket there. Brilliant.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Spices and all your food.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- That's it, that massive thing there. Yeah.- Is it?
0:27:39 > 0:27:43It's all Chinese businesses and that in there.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Their powers mean that if the money is not forthcoming,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Tom and Craig will seize goods to be sold at auction.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Xiang... Xian...
0:27:53 > 0:27:54Watch that step.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58But first, they have to find company directors named on the writ.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01'Doors closing.'
0:28:01 > 0:28:06Hello. We're trying to get in contact with a Mr David Xiang.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09My name's Mr Wild, and we're from the High Court.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Is, um, Xiang...
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- What's on the door. - That's here?- Yes.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- Two different names. - Two names there.- Two names.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19And the company here.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Shidai Education. Is that yourself?- It is.- Right.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Is the boss about?
0:28:24 > 0:28:25David Xiang...
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Xiang...
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- I have no idea about that.- Right.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- So we are trying to connect...- OK.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Would you mind...?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37What you have to do, the court order commands us
0:28:37 > 0:28:40to obviously stay here until it's resolved.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Finally, someone arrives.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46But he's accompanied by security.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48Sorry?
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- Who are you, sir?- The security of the building.- Oh, right.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- My name is Mr Wild, I'm an officer of the High Court.- Right.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58I'm here today with a court order.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Craig's credentials have an instant effect on the security man,
0:29:01 > 0:29:02leaving the new arrival
0:29:02 > 0:29:05looking for other ways to get rid of the sheriffs.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08If you want to phone the police, that's your prerogative, sir.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09Not a problem at all.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13But this is a civil recovery action against the education company here
0:29:13 > 0:29:16as well as also a David Xiang.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18- He's not our staff.- Who's he, then?
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- I have no idea.- Right.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22He's not with us.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Have you ever heard of the lady called...?
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Craig points out the name of the claimant,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28who wants to remain anonymous.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32A student?
0:29:32 > 0:29:35She has taken David Xiang...
0:29:35 > 0:29:40and the Shidai Education, which is the company here, to court,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43and I'm here with a court order
0:29:43 > 0:29:47to collect the sum of £34,311.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- We have contact through the High Court...- Yes.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52..because that's not our business.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54It is your business. It says it there.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- And you're Mr...? - Why do you record my name?
0:29:57 > 0:29:59The man seems reluctant to give his name,
0:29:59 > 0:30:01but he is familiar with the case.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05We sent to the call and the call said it's nothing to do with us.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07- Show me... - We've got all the paperwork.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09You show me the paperwork then, sir.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- Have a seat.- I'm going to carry on doing my job, because this order tells me to carry on doing my job.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Are you saying you've actually received paperwork
0:30:16 > 0:30:19from the High Court saying that we are not to come out
0:30:19 > 0:30:22and execute this order? I don't think you have.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25I'm going to carry on doing my job if the money isn't paid.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26Excuse me, sir.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30The man heads off, apparently to find the High Court paperwork.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35Meanwhile, Tom and Craig start seizing the company's assets on paper,
0:30:35 > 0:30:37with a view to removing them later.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39- ST2.- ST2.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- 08.- 08.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- 100.- 100.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48It's a significant task, if they are to raise over £34,000.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50They're starting with the computers,
0:30:50 > 0:30:54hoping the threat of seizing those and effectively stopping
0:30:54 > 0:30:57the office from working will persuade the company to cooperate.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- Zoo storm.- Zoo storm.- Yeah.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05We can, sir.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12- Excuse me. Excuse me. You cannot take...- Sir, get your hands off me.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- Anything for you to damage... - That's fine, sir.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16I've told you what we're here for today.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20With Craig and Tom doggedly listing the computers they're seizing,
0:31:20 > 0:31:22the man heads off.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24WOMAN: Excuse me, sir, I really want to talk to you.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Finally, the pressure seems to have had an effect.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30The company's solicitor, Mr Sumner, is on the phone.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32First and foremost, who was the gentleman with you?
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Because we met a gentleman here
0:31:34 > 0:31:37wasn't prepared to tell me who his name was. Right.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Shortly afterwards, the solicitor turns up.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Hello, sir. Mr Sumner?
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- No.- Oh, right. You are?- My name's Peggs. I'm a solicitor.- Right.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51I've come to speak to you. Is there a room we can go into and have a chat?
0:31:51 > 0:31:53In the corner over there. Give me two seconds.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55It's a different solicitor,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58who wants to have the case explained to him, away from our camera.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04Craig tells the solicitor that he's got trucks on stand-by
0:32:04 > 0:32:08and will be seizing and, if necessary, removing goods.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13The first solicitor's back on the phone.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Basically, Mr Sumner has told Mr Xiang
0:32:15 > 0:32:18to get himself down the bank as quick as possible
0:32:18 > 0:32:20and get as much money as he can.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23But a quarter of an hour later, nothing's happened.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Tom and Craig are concerned
0:32:25 > 0:32:28that the man who they think might be the company director
0:32:28 > 0:32:29isn't coming back.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34No problem. Five minutes, he's going to be here.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38His solicitor sent him off 15 minutes ago, to go down the bank.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43With no company director and no money, it's back to plan A.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Time to turn off the computers.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47Due to start shutting this one down now,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50because I'm going to start packing this away from this end.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52I'm sorry. I'm not waiting any longer.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- They're in the lift? - Right.- Hello again.- Hello.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- Can we have another quick word? - Yes, by all means.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02The second solicitor is back
0:33:02 > 0:33:05but there's no sign of the man from earlier.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10The solicitor explains that the woman waiting outside
0:33:10 > 0:33:12is one of the company directors.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16He says they can immediately raise between £2,000 and £3,000.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21But Craig says he's spoken to his office
0:33:21 > 0:33:24and the minimum they'll accept is £10,000.
0:33:26 > 0:33:32The director agrees to pay £10,000 of the £34,000 debt now,
0:33:32 > 0:33:33with the rest to follow.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35It's a great result for the former student,
0:33:35 > 0:33:39who will now get some of the substantial sum he is owed,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42and for Craig and Tom, whose persistence has paid off.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45As the payment goes through,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48the solicitor wants to put the company's side of the story.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51My name's Regan Peggs. I'm a solicitor.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54The company does not accept that it owes this debt to the claimant
0:33:54 > 0:33:57and in fact, there are three defendants on this order.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01They don't accept that they are linked to the other two defendants either.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05It's their intention in due course to apply to have the order set aside.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07From a practical point of view, of course,
0:34:07 > 0:34:09they know that they need to open up tomorrow,
0:34:09 > 0:34:11so they are paying £10,000,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15which they will hope to reclaim in due course.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17Thanks for your time. Take care.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21The sheriffs are walking away with a third of the debt paid
0:34:21 > 0:34:26and the goods seized on paper until the remainder is with the claimant.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27It's a reasonable outcome,
0:34:27 > 0:34:31given that the value of the computers in the office
0:34:31 > 0:34:33came nowhere near the £34,000 owed.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35We had to push them a few times
0:34:35 > 0:34:37because they were seeking legal advice
0:34:37 > 0:34:41and it was getting a bit stale sometimes, with not a lot happening.
0:34:41 > 0:34:42They were biding time.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45We had to push the point and it had the desired effect.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49They got the solicitor there and Craig had a chat with the solicitor
0:34:49 > 0:34:51and managed to get the £10,000.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56It's just short of a third of the liability that they've paid. Um...
0:34:56 > 0:34:59with the proposal to pay the remaining balance
0:34:59 > 0:35:01within the next five days.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04To be fair and honest with you, we had ten desks and ten chairs
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- and ten computers. Sorry, nine computers...- Limited value.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11..of limited value and to walk out of there with £10,000
0:35:11 > 0:35:15is a good result, compared with the fact that the asset value
0:35:15 > 0:35:17in the premises was minimum.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19A good result, I think, all in all.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30Enforcement officers of the High Court execute 70,000 writs
0:35:30 > 0:35:33and collect £64 million a year.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36We are here now, sir. You need to make the payment now.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Money rightfully owed to their clients.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41We are here to seize goods from the property.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Sheriffs have more powers than County Court bailiffs
0:35:44 > 0:35:48and obstructing them in their work is a criminal offence.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50No, it's being removed.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52Craig, do you want to ring the police?
0:35:52 > 0:35:55This gentleman's stopping me doing my job.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Sheriffs can enter residential premises
0:35:57 > 0:35:59through an open or unlocked window or door
0:35:59 > 0:36:03and climb perimeter walls and fences to get there.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07And in commercial premises, they can even force entry...
0:36:07 > 0:36:10He's got five minutes to call me before I call locksmiths. OK?
0:36:10 > 0:36:13..whether it's to seize goods...
0:36:13 > 0:36:17or return a building to its rightful owners.
0:36:17 > 0:36:18- Yeah, what?- Don't get violent.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21They can even search through company documentation
0:36:21 > 0:36:25for paperwork they believe might be relevant to a writ.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27It's called diligent search, sir.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30All in the cause of getting members of the public money
0:36:30 > 0:36:32that's rightfully theirs.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Enforcement officers Lawrence and Kev are heading into Essex,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46trying to find a place with a rather unusual name.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51At the moment, we are on our way to a place called Matching Tye
0:36:51 > 0:36:55in Essex, to a company called Better Removals And Storage Limited.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00They've got a store on a farm in Matching Tye
0:37:00 > 0:37:04and we're looking for £3,688.65.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Matching Tye is not far from Harlow in Essex
0:37:09 > 0:37:12and is the location of Better Removals.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16The company certainly didn't live up to its name for the claimant.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21The case centres around a set of shiny black surround sound loudspeakers,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24which were damaged by the company when they moved them.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Once alerted to the damage, Better Removals made things worse.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31When the speakers were returned, instead of being repaired,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33they had suffered further damage.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36The claimant eventually took the company to court.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38The case wasn't contested
0:37:38 > 0:37:42and he was awarded the cost of replacing the speakers.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44But he hasn't been paid.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47So now Lawrence and Kev are going to get him the money he's due.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- Can't be a big removal lorry, can it?- Not getting under these trees.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Farm entrance. Got it.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05We're here.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09As usual, Lawrence and Kev haven't advertised their visit.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17- Hello. Hello, there. Better Removals And Storage.- Yes, mate?
0:38:19 > 0:38:20My name is Mr Griggs.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23I'm an enforcement officer. We've got a High Court writ today
0:38:23 > 0:38:25to execute against the company.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- Are you the governor? - No, I'm just a manager.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- I'm not, no.- You're the manager. Is the governor about?
0:38:31 > 0:38:36- I can ring him on the phone, yeah. - Yeah.- Yeah, sure, no problem.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39We're going to take an inventory of goods that we are seizing
0:38:39 > 0:38:43to clear the debt because that is what we are ordered to do,
0:38:43 > 0:38:45by the court.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49The most valuable goods on site are the vans which seem to have names.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56It's not just the sheriffs' visit which is a surprise for the manager.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59He says he doesn't know about the case.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Paperwork was sent here, but nobody replied to it.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04It's therefore ordered that you must pay that much,
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- and interest, blah blah blah.- OK.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12Obviously, because that wasn't paid, because that was sent here as well,
0:39:12 > 0:39:14they've then transferred it up to the High Court,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16which has incurred more costs.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18We are now commanded to seize an execution of goods,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21chattels and other property of the defendant
0:39:21 > 0:39:23and raise therefrom the sums detailed in the schedule.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26We are here with a High Court writ today and it's live.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28We have to execute that writ today.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Is that your phone? It's not mine.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34The manager is trying to get the business owner on the phone.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Meanwhile, Kev has been listing goods for seizure.
0:39:38 > 0:39:39Just a load of vehicles, really.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42If they come on the phone and they say they're not paying,
0:39:42 > 0:39:43one of them will be going.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46There's definitely enough assets to cover the debt.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49But the boss is on the phone for Lawrence.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54Yes. The outstanding amount at the moment is £3,688.65.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58You can't argue it is now, no, but the money's held for 14 days.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01It's not disbursed,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04so it's not going to be paid out to him for 14 days.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08So in that 14 days, you can seek independent legal advice.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10And take whatever...
0:40:10 > 0:40:14No, no. We're enforcement officers with the High Court.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16We're higher than a bailiff.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Faced with the onslaught of information from Lawrence,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22the company immediately agrees to pay.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26Payment appears in the form of the manager's company debit card.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Also making an appearance are some less welcome visitors.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Midges.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- I told you.- Yeah.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- That's his Hercules pose.- Yeah.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Another unwelcome feature of the rural location
0:40:42 > 0:40:45is a lack of signal for the chip and PIN machine.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49- It's a bit better in there, is it? - Over there, I got a signal.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- Over here somewhere? Yeah? - A little bit...- Oh, yeah.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57It jumped up to three bars. Connection made. Come on.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59Yay!
0:41:00 > 0:41:03There's your receipt and your card.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- Thanks very much.- Take care, mate.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08This has been a textbook operation for Lawrence and Kev.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Having heard their case, the company immediately paid up in full.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14So a good day for the sheriffs,
0:41:14 > 0:41:17and of course for the midges.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21There's little midges. There's little midges in everywhere.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24- There's loads of them.- Oh, yeah.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- Cor!- Give me a shower scene.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30That's better. Let's get out of here.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Oh! What a horrendous place.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37It was a little bit remote, finding it,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40up some country lanes, but we got there.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42There was plenty of vehicles,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45three or four Luton vans, smaller vans, big lorries, trailers,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48so loads of assets. The manager was there.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51He didn't know anything about it at all,
0:41:51 > 0:41:53so he got the guv'nor on the phone,
0:41:53 > 0:41:57um, basically, the guv'nor said they'll pay.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59They know the money's held for 14 days,
0:41:59 > 0:42:01so they were quite happy to pay it.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03The manager was a nice chap, no issues.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06He just got the owner on the phone and they paid it.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09The only problem we did have, the only issue,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11was apparently corn midges.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15We were standing there scratching, and there are some still on me now.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18There's one there, one there. One there, one up there.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21SLAP
0:42:21 > 0:42:22That's just an excuse.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25Better Removals told us
0:42:25 > 0:42:29they felt the damage caused in moving the speakers was only minor.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31They said that, despite this,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35they had sought to repair them to the claimant's satisfaction,
0:42:35 > 0:42:36sending them to a restorer.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40They dispute that they caused any further damage to the speakers.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43They said they had been prepared to make a payment
0:42:43 > 0:42:45to the claimant for the damage caused
0:42:45 > 0:42:48but they could not agree on an amount,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51and the claimant had refused to return the old speakers to them.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55They also said they had not realised the matter had been taken to court.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59They added that the managing director had not been available
0:42:59 > 0:43:01on the day of filming.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03They said this was not a regular occurrence
0:43:03 > 0:43:06for a family business that had high standards
0:43:06 > 0:43:09and in this instance, had tried to do the right thing.