0:00:02 > 0:00:04If you're owed money but aren't getting paid...
0:00:04 > 0:00:05it's time to call the sheriffs.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08My name's Mr Grix. My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:08 > 0:00:09I'm here to issue a high court writ.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12I've got to do what I'm instructed to by the courts.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15They're enforcement agents of the High Court.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20And if a court's ruled in your favour, they're on your side.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23If the debtor doesn't want to pay...
0:00:23 > 0:00:25You currently owe £9461.80.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28The law says the sheriffs can get you what you're owed.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30If you don't come to the door, we have to remove
0:00:30 > 0:00:31the vehicle off the drive.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34You'll have a week to pay in full before it gets sold at auction.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Whether it's a small company...
0:00:36 > 0:00:37Can I speak to the person in charge please?
0:00:37 > 0:00:39..or a household name...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41We're here to see somebody from G4S.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44If they owe you money, the sheriffs get it paid.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I'm not going anywhere, you get him to come in here.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49We're not going to be waiting around like that, it needs to be done now.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51I just collected 42 grand.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Coming up...
0:00:56 > 0:00:58..things get heated at a car dealers in East London.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- Move, move.- Oi, oi, oi! Pal.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04You think you can come in here and start bullying people.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06I'll get my pals here and we'll see who's going to bully who.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10But can Sheriff Ken Warby get them to pay the five grand they owe?
0:01:10 > 0:01:12The value of the goods is here.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Did I not warn you earlier that this would happen?
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Estate Agent, Karen Vaughan, was left on the brink of financial ruin,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20after a building project went wrong.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23The snowball effect was catastrophic.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26I was over £20,000 further in debt.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Enforcement agents Tommy Coyle and Craig Wilde track down a man
0:01:30 > 0:01:33who owes her money but will he pay up?
0:01:33 > 0:01:37In Leeds, Michael Redman's house was left exposed to the elements
0:01:37 > 0:01:40after an insulation job was abandoned halfway through.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43It leaked, it was drafty, it was an eyesore.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47You could actually look through the window frames out into the street.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Sheriff Chris Pearson pays the company a visit.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52- Can they take the heat? - Is the boss in, mate.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- He's not, no.- Can you get him on the phone for me?
0:01:55 > 0:01:58And when Lawrence and Kev visit a classic car restorers,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01the boss admits he's made a mistake in ignoring the court.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04The reason I didn't pay was purely on principle.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12It's a chilly winter's morning in London and enforcement agent
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Ken Warby is working his patch in the north of the city.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19His first job today is to pay a visit to a car
0:02:19 > 0:02:22dealership in Walthamstow.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25We're going to a place called BD Trade Sales Ltd.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29And it's an individual that has taken them to court for just over
0:02:29 > 0:02:30four grand.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34BD Trade Sales Ltd were taken to court by a Mr Tarsem Kainth.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38He bought a second-hand car which broke down on the way home,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40and was refused a refund.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42The company didn't defend the case,
0:02:42 > 0:02:47so Mr Kainth won a default judgment, but he's never been paid.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Now, including fees, the debt's just over £5,000.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Ken knows that collecting money from car dealerships can be tricky.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59Different people owning different vehicles in the yard.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Paperwork has to be got out. Proof has to be shown.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06There's usually an argument there somewhere.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09What he doesn't know, is that today's argument is going to
0:03:09 > 0:03:12involve not one but two car dealerships.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Blue Diamond garages. That could be the one.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18No, BD Trade Sales is different.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- Hello.- Hello.- BD Trade Sales Ltd?
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I'm here regarding a high court writ of control against
0:03:33 > 0:03:38BD Trade Sales from a Mr Tarsem Kainth.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Why you got the camera here? Tell the camera to move away.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44The man asks our camera to leave the forecourt before telling
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Ken that the case against the company is in dispute.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- It's to be set aside, is it? - No, it's already set aside.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Is it? Have you got any paperwork I can see?
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- Yeah.- Thank you.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03The man says the judgment against BD Trade Sales has already been
0:04:03 > 0:04:04overturned by the courts.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07But when he shows Ken the paperwork, it instead seems to
0:04:07 > 0:04:12show their application for a set aside hasn't yet been successful.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15But then he comes up with a different reason not to pay...
0:04:15 > 0:04:17It's not his company.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20This debt is against BD Trade Sales.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25And he is the MD of a company called Blue Diamond.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Blue Diamond is different garage, just down the road.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32But there's a reason why its boss is manning the BD Trade Sales office.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36They're brothers and one owes the other one a debt.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39The man says that because his brother owes him money,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43he's given him all the cars on the BD Trade Sales forecourt,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46so now they belong to Blue Diamond Garages Ltd.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48That would mean Ken can't remove them,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51but he's not just going to take his word for it.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Unless they can provide money transfer proof that each
0:04:55 > 0:04:59vehicle on this site was sold from the defendant company to the
0:04:59 > 0:05:03brother's company, then we can remove the vehicles.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Inside, the man does manage to produce invoices which appear
0:05:08 > 0:05:10to back up his story..
0:05:10 > 0:05:12But for Ken, it's still not enough.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Because there are no actual bank transfers
0:05:15 > 0:05:21and no solicitors undertaking for one company to satisfy
0:05:21 > 0:05:25the debt to another company, also that's not around.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27So it all looks a little bit iffy.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30The man in the office has now got hold of his brother
0:05:30 > 0:05:34on the phone, so Ken talks to him to try to clarify the situation.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39You are the MD of BD Trade Sales Ltd, are you?
0:05:40 > 0:05:45My instructions are to remove a vehicle or two from here to
0:05:45 > 0:05:46cover this debt.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48The boss doesn't want to pay.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51He too is claiming the cars on the forecourt belong to
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Blue Diamond, but Ken disagrees.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Because we don't have anything in concrete from a solicitor,
0:05:57 > 0:06:01for example, saying that this is a bona fide debt
0:06:01 > 0:06:06and it needs to be paid in a certain way, we can remove vehicles.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07Yeah, I understand that.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09But on the basis of you saying you owe him loads of money
0:06:09 > 0:06:12and him saying the same, that isn't good enough.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14We have to have it properly documented.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Yeah. It's not good enough, mate, it's not good enough.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Unfortunately you've got a stance there, I've got a stance as well.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Unfortunately we're at an impasse.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26I'll just make a phone call and get a transporter on its way down here.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29And obviously you do what you've got to do my friend,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32and I've got to do what I'm instructed to by the courts.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Yeah, you just said that. Thank you very much.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Cheers for speaking to me.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41True to his word, Ken makes a call, to book a tow truck to remove cars.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43If I need you in E17, how long?
0:06:45 > 0:06:47That's all right, I might need it, I might not.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51The truck's now on standby and Ken warns the man
0:06:51 > 0:06:55that if he has to call it, then there'll be extra charges.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58It seems to have the desired effect as the man now says he'll
0:06:58 > 0:07:01try to get some money together on his brother's behalf.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03But not all of it.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05He does have the means to pay. I'm sure he does.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08He's saying I can pay part and part at the end of this month.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11But considering the value of the vehicles here
0:07:11 > 0:07:16and we're only after around five grand, I want payment in one go.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19If it was a football match it's like a one-all draw at the moment.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21You know, going in at half-time it's like one-all.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24But I know we're going to come out strong in the second half
0:07:24 > 0:07:26and get full payment, win the game.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Later in the programme...
0:07:28 > 0:07:29Move that camera from here.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31..it all kicks off at BD Trade Sales...
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Why you coming in here and start bullying the man?
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Why you doing that for?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37And we find out whether Ken can get the money owed.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- Did I not warn you earlier that this would happen?- No.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42The police would turn up, the transporter would turn up,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45it would be like a scene out of Beadle's About and here we are.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51If you've been ripped off and the person or company responsible
0:07:51 > 0:07:53refuses to pay you back,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56the first step is to make a claim in the County Court.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58It's simple to do this online
0:07:58 > 0:08:01for a small fee depending on the size of the claim.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03The court will review the evidence,
0:08:03 > 0:08:07and if it finds in your favour, the debtor will be ordered to pay up.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10If they don't, then for a further £60
0:08:10 > 0:08:12the High Court will grant a writ,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15authorising the sheriffs to act on your behalf.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18If they're successful, you get all your money back.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29In the Midlands, enforcement agents Tommy Coyle and Craig Wild
0:08:29 > 0:08:32are on their way to Solihull.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34They're looking to try to recover a debt
0:08:34 > 0:08:37resulting from a business deal gone sour.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39The judgement's against a Mr Alan Beale.
0:08:39 > 0:08:40It's a home address.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45For just over £15,000, so it's a lot of money.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47The money is owed to Karen Vaughan,
0:08:47 > 0:08:48an independent estate agent,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51who also dabbles in property development.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Her involvement with Mr Beale began
0:08:53 > 0:08:57when she was looking for a new project, to invest her savings.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00I've done a few projects. I've bought land.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03I've done some refurbishments on properties.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07And what I was really hoping to do, is to actually do a build.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11That was really the next stage. The natural progression for me.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14A suitable site in Wolverhampton had come up.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Perfect to build four houses.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Karen could afford to buy the land,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21but needed help to see the project through,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24so teamed up with a local builder, Alan Beale.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28I was providing the finance for the project,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32and Alan was dealing with all the building aspects.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37I'd seen some properties that had already been built with Alan.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40He's a likeable person,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44he seemed very knowledgeable on what he was doing.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48So, yeah, I thought that we were starting a good working relationship
0:09:48 > 0:09:51and it was the start of things to come, really.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Before they could buy the plot
0:09:53 > 0:09:56the pair got surveys done and plans drawn up.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59But then the project started to drag
0:09:59 > 0:10:02and Karen began to realise there was a problem.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Alan was quite a busy person,
0:10:04 > 0:10:10and it would appear that he wasn't getting back to architects,
0:10:10 > 0:10:14solicitors, the vendor of the site, etc,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17within the timescales that they required.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21And eventually the vendor decided that he couldn't wait any longer.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25The seller pulled out and sold the land to someone else.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28That meant all their work so far was down the drain.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Alan started to forward to me
0:10:31 > 0:10:34the invoices for the work that he'd instructed.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38For example the architects, the site investigation works, etc.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42And I think it was at that point that the realisation hit
0:10:42 > 0:10:47that we were somewhere in the region of 20,000 in debt.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49And those bills needed paying.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52So, Karen paid them... All £20,000 of it.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56She assumed her business partner would chip in.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58But she was in for a shock.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Alan's attitude was that we had set up a limited company
0:11:01 > 0:11:04and the idea of a limited company is to protect you
0:11:04 > 0:11:08personally from any debt if the company fails.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13And he felt that there was no legal need to have to pay that debt.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17And therefore if I wanted to pay them, that was my choice.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Karen had been counting on the income from the completion
0:11:21 > 0:11:24of the project to honour other financial commitments
0:11:24 > 0:11:27and was now plunged into crisis.
0:11:27 > 0:11:33Personally, I was devastated that I was over £20,000 further in debt
0:11:33 > 0:11:35than I was to start with.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39The snowball effect financially was catastrophic.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45She missed loan payments and her business was nearly repossessed.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48So, when she finally managed persuade Mr Beale to pay back
0:11:48 > 0:11:51half of the money, it was a huge relief.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53He drew up loan agreement,
0:11:53 > 0:11:58and agreed to pay an amount each month to clear that debt.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01He made the first payment and so I thought everything was great.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03We were moving forward at last,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05but unfortunately when the second payment was due
0:12:05 > 0:12:07there was no money forthcoming.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12Despite phone calls, messages, texting
0:12:12 > 0:12:17and e-mails, Alan never came forward with any further payments.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20As he had broken a signed agreement,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Karen was able to pursue him through the courts.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27She won a County Court judgment against Mr Beale.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31and when he still didn't pay, took it to the High Court.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36I've given him every opportunity to make this payment,
0:12:36 > 0:12:37but he's ignored everything.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40And I've put it in the hands of the sheriffs
0:12:40 > 0:12:44and I hope that this will evoke some sort of response
0:12:44 > 0:12:48and make him see that this debt is not going away.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00Now, Tommy and Craig are on their way to see Mr Beale.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02And Craig is feeling confident.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04He is a director of four limited companies.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Building companies, a log-home company.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09He's obviously, clearly a man of means.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11So, hopefully we'll go and see Mr Beale
0:13:11 > 0:13:14and try and get Mrs Vaughan's money for her.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20At the house, there's no sign of a builder's van on the drive.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21But is Mr Beale home?
0:13:25 > 0:13:26KNOCK ON DOOR
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Builder's boots.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32Hello, my love. Sorry to disturb you.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35I'm trying to get in contact with Mr Alan Beale.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- He's not here. - Are you his wife, are you?
0:13:37 > 0:13:38No, I'm not his wife.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40My name's Mr Wild. I'm from the High Court.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- Right, OK.- If you can get him on the phone for me,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44I'm here to execute a court order.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Yes, no problem at all. Just let me wipe my feet.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48No, not you, Tommy.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- DOOR CLOSES - No. I'm locked out.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Craig's inside, at least. So...
0:13:58 > 0:13:59..get some dialogue going
0:14:01 > 0:14:05Inside, the woman tells Craig that she is Mr Beale's partner.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09As he seems to live there, the sheriffs could begin to list items
0:14:09 > 0:14:11to remove from the house to cover the debt.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15But it would be much better if Mr Beale could pay in some other way.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18So, the woman manages to reach him by phone
0:14:18 > 0:14:20and Craig fills Tommy in via the window.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- He's just phoned in. He's saying he hasn't got the money.- Right.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25So, we'll wait until he turns up anyway
0:14:25 > 0:14:27cos he's only about 10/15 minutes away.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30But there's another guy called Kevin turning up, as well.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34Mr Beale's apparently on his way back to the house.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35So, it looks like the sheriffs
0:14:35 > 0:14:37are going to get to speak to him face-to-face.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40After a short wait, a truck pulls up.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41Here we go.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Mr Beale has arrived alone.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50He tells Tommy he can't afford to pay back his debt to Karen Vaughan,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52and he hasn't brought any money.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55He doesn't want to be filmed, and goes into the house,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58where Craig explains he's got a writ from the High Court,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01that empowers him to remove goods to cover the debt.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04And after some fraught discussions,
0:15:04 > 0:15:06there are some promising signs.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07Craig's just come out now,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and he just requested to get the card machine.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14It looks like Craig has managed to negotiate
0:15:14 > 0:15:16at least some kind of payment.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Sure enough, before long the sheriffs are on their way.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24So, nearly 18 months after signing the loan agreement with Mr Beale,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26has Karen finally got her money?
0:15:26 > 0:15:29The defendant turned up. He couldn't pay.
0:15:29 > 0:15:35But his partner decided to extend the hand of gratuity to him
0:15:35 > 0:15:37to get it paid off.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40So, that's what she's done. £15,000. There you go.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Another good day for the sheriffs,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45and another good day hopefully for Miss Vaughan.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I have to say, I am actually surprised.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Whilst I was hoping for a good outcome,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53I did not expect this. So, thank you sheriffs
0:15:53 > 0:15:56you've done an amazing job, I can't thank you enough.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Sheriff Ken Warby is at a car dealers in Walthamstow,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14where he's chasing a debt of £5,000.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18BD Trades Sales Ltd sold a car to Tarsem Kainth
0:16:18 > 0:16:21and when it broke down didn't give him a refund.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Ken is dealing with the director's brother,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25who says he's trying to raise the money.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30But after a lot of waiting around, Ken has run out of patience.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31I've just been kept waiting.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34And fed a load of rubbish at the moment.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Saying, "Give me five minutes, give me five minutes,
0:16:36 > 0:16:38"I need to make a few phone calls." Nothing's happened.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Going to phone the office now,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44organise a transporter to come down, remove one or two of these vehicles.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46As Ken gets ready to make the call,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48the director's brother makes a last-ditch attempt
0:16:48 > 0:16:50to put on the brakes.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53Sorry, mate.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59Mate.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02But Ken's heard enough of this argument already.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03Hello, Wayne.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04It's Ken Warby.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Look, I need a transporter down in Walthamstow.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09If you could get down here as soon as possible.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13About 40 minutes? Nice one, mate, appreciate it. Cheers. Bye.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16All the stalling has cost the debtor dearly.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19The fees sheriffs charge are set by the government
0:17:19 > 0:17:24and now that the transporter its on its way, the final bill has shot up.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27£5,075...
0:17:27 > 0:17:31to a, erm... To a whopping £6,700.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35And counting.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37But no sooner than the call is made,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41the boss' brother says a friend is on his way with the cash.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43It is the larger amount now, unfortunately.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45I called the transporter, mate. It's on its way.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46Just left the yard.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48But you just....
0:17:48 > 0:17:49Mate, it's not.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51It's been like an hour and a half
0:17:51 > 0:17:53since that first five minutes, do you remember?
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Yeah.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59I did warn ya. I had a coffee, we chatted.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Still nothing happened. The five minutes became an hour and a half.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03Enough's enough.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Yeah, that's not enough now. It needs to be the full amount.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15It makes no difference.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17As soon as I tell the office,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21"They're not paying" and that I need a transporter, these fees go on.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24No.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28The man said a friend was coming and sure enough one soon turns up.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33Only it doesn't look like this guy's in the mood to hand over any cash.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- Move your camera from here. - I'm on the street.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Move your camera from here. Move. Move.- Oi, oi, oi, oi, oi.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39- Move.- Oi, pal. Seriously...
0:18:39 > 0:18:41You think you can come in here and start bullying people.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I'll get my people here right now.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- Why you- BLEEP- come here try bully the man? Huh?
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- I'm not trying to bully... - Why you come here to bully the man?
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Mate, I'm not trying to bully anybody.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- I'll get my- BLEEP- pals here. Move that camera from here.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56I'm on the public street. I'm on the public street.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Move away from my premises.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Ken has seen enough.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01Police, please.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Someone has been physically threatening.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07He's just suddenly come on to the car yard.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10I would like someone here to prevent the breach of the peace.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12I think they knew I was on the phone to the police
0:19:12 > 0:19:14and they've sort of like disappeared,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16so I'm in the car yard on my own at the moment.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18But not for long, as the men soon return.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Move that camera away from me. Move that camera away from me.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Yeah, that's it, good boy. Yes, sir.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Why you coming in here and start bullying the man?
0:19:26 > 0:19:27Why you doing that for?
0:19:27 > 0:19:30I'll get my pals here and we'll see who's going to bully who.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32If that's the way you wanna do it.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Has this gentleman just told you I was bullying him?
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Well, that's the approach you've come along.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38"Oh, we're going to do that, we going to remove cars."
0:19:38 > 0:19:39Come on, mate.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Can I just ask who you are? - Khan, Mr Khan.- Mr Khan.- Mr Khan.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- And what involvement...? - Listen, forget that involvement.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47Tell him to switch that camera off.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Otherwise he's going to be in a lot of trouble.- Listen.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51Tell him to switch that camera off.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53If you want I can go talk to him personally.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Mate, switch that off, or I'll take that off you.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Mate, you won't be doing that. - No, no. Don't tell me that.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59Why are you recording?
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Just as the situation is spiralling out of control,
0:20:01 > 0:20:05the police arrive, and Mr Khan makes himself scarce.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Meanwhile, the director's father has also arrived.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11And he's brought cash.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Yep.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23OK. I understand what you're saying.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25The father is willing to pay his son's original bill,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28but not the extra fees which were added
0:20:28 > 0:20:30when the transporter was called.
0:20:30 > 0:20:31But as far as Ken's concerned,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34this is a situation entirely of their own making.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37I did explain to this person loads of times that
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- if I had to call the transporter, a lot of fees go on there.- Yeah.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43I was patient over two hours. But in the end enough's enough.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44- I've called the transporter.- Yeah.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Now, a load of fees have gone on there. I can't reverse that.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Did I not warn you earlier that this would happen?
0:20:49 > 0:20:52The police would turn up, the transporter would turn up,
0:20:52 > 0:20:54it'd be like a scene out of Beadle's About and here we are.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Are you able to settle the full amount with the gentleman?
0:20:57 > 0:20:58No.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00The father isn't budging.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07OK. He is not willing to accept that. That's what he's saying.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13But it will be here soon
0:21:13 > 0:21:15and you've got sufficient goods in the yard to cover the debt.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18But the son still thinks these cars can't be taken.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20And now with the police in attendance,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23he's hoping he can convince them of his side of the story.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- You've got a High Court writ for BD Trade Sales.- Yes.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29These cars, they belong to me, they belong to Blue Diamond Garages.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32That's what I was trying to explain to you and you weren't listening.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- I hear what you're saying.- Yeah. - And so does this gentleman.- Yeah.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38But what happened is he's been issued
0:21:38 > 0:21:40with a court writ for these premises.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- For BD Trade Sales.- OK. I hear what you're saying.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48But these cars are here, on this premises.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50You got a big sign up there.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53If you've got 6,600 and whatever it is,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55then I would suggest you pay it.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Then you can go to court.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01If it is proved in your favour you will get reimbursed.
0:22:01 > 0:22:07If you chose not to pay back today, these guys can take the cars.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10With the policewoman delivering the final verdict,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13father and son realise the game is up.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- What we at?- 6,708... Just shy of 7 grand.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21Is what we said earlier on we needed to avoid.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24The father reluctantly agrees to pay
0:22:24 > 0:22:27and hands over the full total in cash.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30At the same time the transporter arrives and is sent on its way.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36They think it's all over... It is now.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Well, I did tell you earlier on it was like one-all at half-time.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43But, erm... 2-1 to the sheriffs.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Much to the father's disapproval.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47This is very unfair system here.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Because the case is still in the court.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53But nevertheless, to finish this matter off,
0:22:53 > 0:22:55I didn't want any aggravation with no-one.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58I paid the sheriffs, now we will claim it back.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01The case never went back to court.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05And Tarsem Kainth has got back the money he was rightfully owed.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Sheriff Chris Pearson is chasing a debt owed by a businessman
0:23:20 > 0:23:23specialising in green home improvements.
0:23:24 > 0:23:25We're in Leeds today.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27We're off to see a Mr James Kahn.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32It's for the sum of £1,587.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Owed for... Which I believe is insulation.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40Which is either incorrectly fitted, or it wasn't fitted at all.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Mr Kahn runs a company called the Green Deal Warehouse.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46It sold the insulation to pensioner Michael Redman
0:23:46 > 0:23:49who lives in the Cookridge area of Leeds.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52A place where to stay warm, you need all the help you can get.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55We're one of the highest points in Leeds.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58We get a lot of fog. Get a lot of wind.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00It's horrendous up here when winter comes.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03We can have snow up here,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07when you can go a mile down the road,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09and people are walking around in T-shirts.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13It is so cold in winter.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16And it's not just the elements which the residents have to contend with.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Much of the post-war housing here
0:24:18 > 0:24:22is poorly insulated and can't easily be improved.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Houses are solid wall.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26There is no cavity.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30So, you can't put insulation inside.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Which is where a special type of insulation
0:24:32 > 0:24:34called thermal cladding comes in.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38It involves adding a whole new shell to the outside of the house.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43It's like wrapping your house in a rather large blanket.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Hoping to keep his house warm, and cut down his bills,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Michael decided to buy thermal cladding
0:24:49 > 0:24:52from local company The Green Deal Warehouse.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55We had a choice of two firms that we could have gone with.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58And we just decided to go with the first telephone number
0:24:58 > 0:25:01which happened to be Green Deal.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Now we wished we hadn't.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The job meant also replacing his doors and windows
0:25:07 > 0:25:09and the work got off to a good start.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12But the progress would prove to be short-lived.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14We paid £1,000 deposit.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19They came out within a week to fit the new windows and doors.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24They said we're coming back to do the insulation the scaffolding
0:25:24 > 0:25:26and everything within the next fortnight.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32And that was the last time we saw Green Deal Warehouse
0:25:32 > 0:25:35for five months.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37And it wasn't for lack of trying.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Michael called time and again
0:25:39 > 0:25:41to try and arrange for the main work to begin.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45They kept telling us that the scaffolding
0:25:45 > 0:25:47was going to be coming next week.
0:25:47 > 0:25:48Never came.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Ring up again. "Coming in another week's time."
0:25:52 > 0:25:53Never came.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55And it went on and on.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59In the meantime, the windows and doors had been left half-finished.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04So, far from keeping the heat in, the house was colder than ever.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09You could actually look through the window frames. Not the glass.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Out into the street. Cos there were rather large holes.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16And a lot of expanding foam.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19It leaked if it rained.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21It were drafty. It were an eyesore.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25After months of phone calls and missed appointments,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Michael finally had enough and made one last call
0:26:29 > 0:26:33to the boss of Green Deal Warehouse, James Kahn.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I said, "I'm cancelling it."
0:26:35 > 0:26:39And straightaway Mr Kahn says, "You'll not get your deposit back."
0:26:40 > 0:26:44I says I'm not going to argue with you.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46I'll see you in court and put the phone down on him.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50I think Mr Kahn thought I was joking.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54But after spending £1,000 and five months exposed to the elements,
0:26:54 > 0:26:56this was no laughing matter.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Michael got another company to complete the work
0:26:59 > 0:27:02and took the Green Deal Warehouse to the County Court.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Although Mr Kahn did offer a defence,
0:27:04 > 0:27:08he missed the hearing, and judgment was found against him.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11He was ordered to pay Michael back his deposit, plus costs.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Not that it seemed to make any difference.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16He just wouldn't pay.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18We never saw a penny.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22He just...totally ignored it.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Which left Michael with few options, other than to turn to the Sheriffs.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Something which he had no qualms about doing.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33It's the right thing to do.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38And I'm not that type of person what...
0:27:38 > 0:27:43What's going to sit back and let him get away with it.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Sheriff Chris Pearson is on his way to the Green Deal Warehouse
0:27:52 > 0:27:54to try to get Michael his money back.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56And as a fellow northerner,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00he has every sympathy with Michael's insulation nightmare.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Where I live it's on the coast. It's not too bad.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04A couple of the hilly districts
0:28:04 > 0:28:07you can get the snow up to two to three feet deep.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Can get a bit cold as well, to say the least.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12So, if you're looking to get your property, your home, insulated,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14it's got to be done correctly, I would say.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19As Chris arrives, the business is open
0:28:19 > 0:28:21and production seems to be in full swing.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23But is Mr Kahn here?
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Hello, mate.
0:28:26 > 0:28:27Hello?
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Is the boss in, mate, please?
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Just up here, yeah? Cheers.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- Is Mr Kahn in, please? - He's not mate, no.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Can you get him on the phone for me? I'm from the High Court.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- He's away, mate.- Can you get him on the phone for us, mate.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45Upstairs in the office, Chris explains the purpose of his visit.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48There's been a writ issued, love, to seize company assets.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50It's not for a great deal of money,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53I'm sure we'll resolve it straight away.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55The staff offer to contact the boss,
0:28:55 > 0:28:58but they don't want our camera in the office.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- Could you all just go downstairs five minutes?- Absolutely.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- I can wait down here, no problem. - Yeah. Yeah, cheers for that.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09But once downstairs, our cameraman's asked to leave altogether.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Chris remains inside to negotiate
0:29:19 > 0:29:22and soon emerges to fill us in on what's going on.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25The actual debtor is not there. Apparently, he's away on holiday,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27but they are trying to get in touch with him at the minute.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29So, hopefully, within a couple of minutes,
0:29:29 > 0:29:31we'll get in touch with him, get this paid.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Until they can get hold of him,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36there's no guarantee he'll agree to pay up.
0:29:36 > 0:29:37But if he doesn't,
0:29:37 > 0:29:40Chris is confident he's got plenty to fall back on.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Forklifts, windows, cars. There's all-sorts in there.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45Hopefully they'll pay,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48but if they don't there seems to be more than enough to cover the debt.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53Back inside the staff manage to make contact with Mr Kahn abroad
0:29:53 > 0:29:56and break the news that a High Court sheriff is on the doorstep.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59Mr Kahn says that the case is still in dispute,
0:29:59 > 0:30:02but Chris explains that he's got a High Court writ
0:30:02 > 0:30:05and so the debt to Mr Redman needs to be paid now.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Soon enough, Chris is heading back to his car.
0:30:11 > 0:30:12So, what's the news?
0:30:12 > 0:30:17Mr Kahn was away on holiday, but we managed to contact him by phone.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19And he's agreed to pay the full amount.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21It's a textbook job for the sheriffs.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22That was one of the better ones.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Yeah. If they could all go like that, it'd be fantastic.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Unfortunately, they don't.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Michael Redman will now get his lost deposit back.
0:30:30 > 0:30:36We've received a cheque for a total of £1246.73
0:30:36 > 0:30:40and I think they've done a superb job for us.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42The Green Deal Warehouse told us,
0:30:42 > 0:30:45"The work on Mr Redman's house was subject to a voucher scheme and was
0:30:45 > 0:30:50"delayed due to a government backlog in processing the applications.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53"Mr Redman was offered a number of start dates which he refused
0:30:53 > 0:30:55"because they weren't convenient."
0:30:55 > 0:30:59The company says it was unable to attend the court hearing due
0:30:59 > 0:31:01to work commitments.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03And the reason they didn't pay the debt is that they never
0:31:03 > 0:31:05received the letter from the court.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12Sheriffs are now officially known as High Court Enforcement Agents
0:31:12 > 0:31:14and they'll collect the money you're owed.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18My job is to collect in full or remove goods.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20They've got more powers of entry than bailiffs.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23We don't have to take any notice of your security protocol, I'm afraid.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26And there's no limit on the size of the debts they can pursue.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29£1.6 million.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Their fees are set by the government
0:31:31 > 0:31:34which debtors have to pay on top of what they already owe.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Thank you very much, see you later.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40If the sheriffs can't recover any of your money,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43there's a fee of £75, plus VAT.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52In the Midlands, enforcement agents Tommy Coyle and Craig Wild
0:31:52 > 0:31:54are heading into the countryside
0:31:54 > 0:31:57on a job which will pose some unique challenges.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01We're off to see a company called Stoneridge Vehicle Sales.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04The balance on the account is just short of £3,500.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10The claimant successfully took Stoneridge Vehicle Sales
0:32:10 > 0:32:13to court after buying a car which turned out to be faulty
0:32:13 > 0:32:15and was refused a refund.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17The company didn't defend the case,
0:32:17 > 0:32:21so judgment was issued in default, but there's still been no payment.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24The sheriffs are now headed to company-director's house,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27which is the only address they've been given.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32We've done our research, it's a large manor house, grade two listed.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Currently on the market for 1.3 million.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38But it's not clear whether the business trades
0:32:38 > 0:32:39from the house or not.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41And just because it's an expensive property,
0:32:41 > 0:32:45that won't make it any easier for the sheriffs to get paid.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48If it was an individual's name on the writ then obviously
0:32:48 > 0:32:51he would own items within the house.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54So, we'd be pushing the point trying to get inside the house.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57But with this we're just after business assets.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59So, it makes it a bit more difficult.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- Oh, there we go. That's it there. - That's it.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Two expensive-looking cars are on the driveway
0:33:08 > 0:33:12and a courtyard behind the house looks promising, too.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- Is there cars in there, as well? - I think so.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18On closer inspection, he's right.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Yeah, there's loads of cars there.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24The question is, are they owned by the company they're looking for?
0:33:24 > 0:33:27To find out they'll have to run checks on the registration numbers.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30So, they start taking them down.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- RA.- R, what?- RA02.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36Some of the license plates are out of view.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40To get a closer look, they might have to scale the wall.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43But they don't want to alert the occupants of the house,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46until they've got the information they need.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- (They're going to see me in the window, aren't they?)- No.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52So, up goes Tommy.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- M44.- M44.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59And Craig takes down the all the registrations Tommy can see.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Yeah. There's a couple more in a little garage there.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11There are certainly a lot of cars for one house,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14so it's possible they could belong to the car-sales business.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18But until they get them checked out, they won't know for sure.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Now, they need to try to make contact with the debtor.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25PHONE RINGS
0:34:27 > 0:34:29The intercom system seems to be diverting
0:34:29 > 0:34:32to a telephone's voicemail.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Just keep trying it, I bet they'll answer.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38This is the Vodafone voicemail service for...
0:34:38 > 0:34:41So now, the sheriffs need to get insistent.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44As they're legally entitled to jump perimeter walls...
0:34:44 > 0:34:45over they go.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Oh, drops down a bit, mate.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Go on, son. You can do it.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54The things you do!
0:34:58 > 0:35:02They then try the front doorbell, but there's no answer there, either.
0:35:04 > 0:35:05Hello.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08Hello.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Nobody coming to the door.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14I mean, you could say they're in bed cos it's a huge manor house.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17But obviously the bell we're ringing echoes through the house.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19So, I'd say they know we're here,
0:35:19 > 0:35:21but no-one wants to come to the door.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Would you come to the door?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28You'd certainly come to the window, wouldn't you?
0:35:28 > 0:35:31With no-one answering, the front gates locked shut,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33and without yet knowing who owns the cars,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36the sheriffs are running out of options.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Very difficult what we can do here this morning.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42We've gathered a lot of information, took a lot of reg plates down
0:35:42 > 0:35:46in the courtyard, which we'll DVLA check, and HPI check.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50If they come back to our company name, we'll come back and have them.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52We'll give it a couple more knocks,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54and then unfortunately we might have to leave a letter today.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Which is exactly what they do.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Checks later showed that the cars weren't registered
0:36:01 > 0:36:03to Stonebridge Vehicle Sales.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Shortly afterwards, the company was dissolved.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09That means that it no longer has any money or assets,
0:36:09 > 0:36:13and on this occasion, there's nothing more the sheriffs can do
0:36:13 > 0:36:15to get the claimant's money back.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20The boss of Stoneridge Vehicle Sales told us
0:36:20 > 0:36:24he made every effort to settle the matter before it went to court.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26He offered to inspect the car,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30but the claimant wouldn't return it without being refunded first.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34And he says he missed the court date because of an administrative error.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43In the south-east, Enforcement Agents Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally
0:36:43 > 0:36:46are in Kent. And their prospects of getting paid today
0:36:46 > 0:36:48are looking pretty good.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52The company they're going to is definitely still trading,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55and it specialises in classic-car restoration.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00We're in Ashford. We're going to Xtreme Jaguar Restorations Ltd.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03They owe £3,161.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06They soup up and restore old Jaguars.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10Xtreme Jaguar was taken to court by a supplier.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13And unlike many of the sheriffs' jobs, this time the debtor
0:37:13 > 0:37:15won't be able to claim they never got the paperwork.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19Mr Gannon, who is the director of Xtreme Jaguar Ltd,
0:37:19 > 0:37:23he was actually in court to defend the hearing with his solicitor.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25He's not going to be able to say he's not aware of this.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Mr Gannon didn't pay what he was ordered to by the court.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31And now the sheriffs are heading his way.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34One of them in particular can't wait.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Not because of the money, but because of his love of cars.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39I'm very much looking forward to this one. I do like my Jags.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41Always have done. I got one about a year ago.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45Mine is like a metallic British racing green. I couldn't tell you...
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Well, I could tell you the exact colour,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49but that would be a bit geeky.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51I've always loved the shape of the Jag.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53There's just something about them.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Never seen him as excited about a job.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58It's probably about as good as it gets for him.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01As for getting paid, the Jaguars themselves are likely
0:38:01 > 0:38:03to be out of the equation...
0:38:03 > 0:38:05What we're going to find here I would imagine
0:38:05 > 0:38:07is most of the actual cars belong to customers.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Parts, tools is the main thing we'll be looking for.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14But will they need to take anything, or will the garage pay up?
0:38:17 > 0:38:18Time to find out.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- Hi, there.- Hi, there. - How are you doing?- Fine.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25We're enforcement agents. We've got a High Court writ
0:38:25 > 0:38:27against Xtreme Jaguar Restorations Ltd.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29We're ordered here today to take control of goods
0:38:29 > 0:38:32to the value of £3161.14.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38- £3,100 and...?- £61.14.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Right, well, first of all, what's the camera for?
0:38:43 > 0:38:46At this point our cameraman's asked to leave.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55Inside, Lawrence tells Mr Gannon that the outstanding debt
0:38:55 > 0:38:57needs to be paid today.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Shortly afterwards our camera's let back in,
0:39:00 > 0:39:04only to find Lawrence and the owner talking shop.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Ah.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10- So, I've just built all... - Oh, it's lovely.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13That is just gorgeous. I've got an X300.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16It's the last of the 3.2s cos I wanted a straight 6.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17I didn't want a V8.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20It's lucky it's the sheriffs' last job of the day
0:39:20 > 0:39:22because they could be here a while.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25I always, always loved Jags. Always wanted one.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27And I thought for that money,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- just for something to pootle around in at weekends.- That's right, yeah.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33It's never going to be anything like this.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36So, he's just showing Lawrence around the workshop at the moment.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38He knew Lawrence was pretty keen to look round here,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40so he's giving him a guided tour.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43And Lawrence is geeking him out with information over there,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46showing off that he knows a little bit about it.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49So, let him have his moment. He's loving it over there.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52Back to the writ in question.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Lawrence wants to know if any of these cars belong to the garage.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57I'm guessing these are customers' cars, aren't they?
0:39:57 > 0:39:58They're all customers' cars.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01They are, which mean they can't be removed by the sheriffs,
0:40:01 > 0:40:03or used as leverage to get payment.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06But it doesn't look that will be necessary, anyway.
0:40:06 > 0:40:07You can pay online with a card,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- we've got a secure online payment system.- Yeah.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Or you can go online and do a bank transfer.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Mr Gannon is willing to pay £1,100 today.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20And says he'll clear the rest tomorrow.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- There you go.- OK.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Mr Gannon tells us his side of the story.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29He says the dispute arose from a respray job on an E-Type Jaguar.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34The paint shop involved sent me a sample of the paint, which is this.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37And based on that being the correct colour,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39I sent the car to the paint shop to be resprayed.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44Mr Gannon claims that when the car came back, the colour wasn't right.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47So, he refused to pay the full cost of the job,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49and instead made an offer for part payment.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52He wouldn't accept it. We went to court.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Sadly, the magistrate involved couldn't see the concept
0:40:55 > 0:40:59of how much it was going to cost to respray a complete E-Type.
0:40:59 > 0:41:04She did however find in my favour and knocked some off the bill,
0:41:04 > 0:41:05but nowhere near enough.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09She only knocked £1,000 off and anybody who's in this industry
0:41:09 > 0:41:12will tell you you're looking at a minimum of £6,000
0:41:12 > 0:41:13to respray an E-Type.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16The reason I didn't pay it was purely on principle.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18But the court made its decision
0:41:18 > 0:41:20and Mr Gannon has tried to ignore it.
0:41:20 > 0:41:26As a result he's now facing a higher bill, with extra charges and fees.
0:41:26 > 0:41:27As he seems willing to pay,
0:41:27 > 0:41:33Lawrence and Kev are happy to leave with £1,100 for the time being.
0:41:33 > 0:41:34But they do list a couple of vehicles
0:41:34 > 0:41:37belonging to the company, just in case.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40What they've got outside, they've got a recovery vehicle.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44A sort of 7.5-tonne van and they've also got a transit van, as well.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46So, between the two vans there, there's more than enough
0:41:46 > 0:41:49to cover the little that's left owing.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52But I've got no doubt these guys are going to be paying in the morning.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- Right, this is your controlled goods agreement.- OK.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58The controlled goods agreement means that if Mr Gannon doesn't make
0:41:58 > 0:42:01the promised payment, the sheriffs will be back to take the vehicles.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- All right, cheers. - All right, thanks very much.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06It's job done for the sheriffs.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10And the moral of the story is that a court's decision is final.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12The judge has said this is how much you've got to pay.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15So, that's what we have to do, we have to enforce the writ.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18So, we've taken what we could get today, which is £1,100.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22We've got controlled goods agreement signed for the full balance
0:42:22 > 0:42:23by close of business tomorrow.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26The guys have come today. They're just doing a job.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29So yes, I'm quite happy to pay it.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33It's unfortunate, but I'll just have to chalk it up to experience.
0:42:33 > 0:42:34And for Lawrence,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37it's been a bit of case of mixing business with pleasure.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39If I had to pick one from in here, that would be it, I think.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Oh, it would have to be.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43I'd love to own some of the cars that are in there.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45But hey ho, I've got my cheap old runaround, and that will do me
0:42:45 > 0:42:48and I picked up a bit of advice while I was in there, as well.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50So, happy days.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Xtreme Jaguar Restorations Limited paid the remaining balance,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58and the paint shop got the money they were owed.