0:00:02 > 0:00:05If you're owed money, but aren't getting paid, it'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 > 0:00:11I've got to do what I'm instructed to by the courts.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14They're enforcement agents of the High Court.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18And if a court's ruled in your favour, they're on your side.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22If the debtor doesn't want to pay...
0:00:22 > 0:00:25You currently owe £9,461.80.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28..the law says the sheriffs can get you what you're owed.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31If you don't come to the door, we have to remove the 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 > 0:00:37- Whether it's a small company... - Can I speak to the person in charge?
0:00:37 > 0:00:39..or a household name...
0:00:39 > 0:00:40We're here to see somebody from G4S.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44..if they owe you money, the sheriffs get it paid.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46I'm not going anywhere. Get him to come in here.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49We're not going to be waiting around. It needs to be done now.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51I just collected 42 grand.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Coming up, David Goddard was sold a family car
0:00:57 > 0:00:59with more faults than features.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Coil springs at the back were gone,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03the exhaust manifold nuts were missing,
0:01:03 > 0:01:05so that was leaking, um...gases.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Can Lawrence and Kev get his money back?
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Is the owner about?
0:01:10 > 0:01:13The only way to prevent further action today is to pay in full.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17A care provider which owes thousands of pounds in unpaid wages
0:01:17 > 0:01:19doesn't want the sheriffs in its office.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22We'll come and have a look because obviously...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25We can, sir. We have a legal right to do so.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28His attitude was that we're going to leave some letters and walk away, but we don't.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32A car parts supplier is the victim of misdirected mail.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Can Lawrence make them understand the letter of the law?
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Pay it. If we're ordered by the court to refund it at some point, we'll refund it.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45And Craig is chasing a wedding photographer with an unpaid debt.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47But does he have any assets?
0:01:47 > 0:01:50This is the gentleman's website.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53It quite clearly states here that he no longer trades.
0:01:59 > 0:02:00It's a bright spring morning
0:02:00 > 0:02:02and Lawrence and Kev are in South London
0:02:02 > 0:02:07on the trail of a car dealership which owes a debt to their client.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09What is it, 11.30 in the morning.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11We are in South Norwood, South London.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14We are going to Prestige Car Sales.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18They owe £3,958.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Prestige Car Sales of South Norwood,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24not to be confused with any other company of a similar name,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28was taken to court by painter and decorator, David Goddard.
0:02:28 > 0:02:29His dealings with the business began
0:02:29 > 0:02:33when he was looking for a family-sized car for his wife.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37I have actually got about 13 grandchildren
0:02:37 > 0:02:39and six great-grandchildren.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42And my wife takes them, especially in the summer holidays,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45takes them down, we've got a caravan in Selsey Bill.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48So, it was always ideal to have a bigger car
0:02:48 > 0:02:52to carry the children around.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54They hadn't been looking for long
0:02:54 > 0:02:57before they found a car which seemed to fit the bill.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02My wife looked through the internet and found a Vauxhall Zafira,
0:03:02 > 0:03:07um...at Prestige Cars of South Norwood.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09So they went to have a look
0:03:09 > 0:03:11and took the car for a test-drive.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14We'd taken it out on the Saturday and it sounded quite nice.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19It was fine. The MOT was only three-four weeks old, the MOT.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22And unfortunately, I left my bag there, in the back of the car,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25after test-driving the vehicle.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Um...and when we got home, my wife said, "Well, that's an omen.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33"You know, that car must be for me."
0:03:33 > 0:03:37So, they bought it for £2,290.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40But the problems began immediately.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42The next day, there was a puncture,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45so we put a new tyre on the vehicle.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50Um...then I said, "Well, you'd best go down to the tyre place
0:03:50 > 0:03:52"and get the tyres checked".
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Um...and it needed another two tyres.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00Um...and this is only two days after we bought the vehicle.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02And that was just the start.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04It was only a matter of days
0:04:04 > 0:04:07before it started misfiring about two cylinders.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10It started to rock all over, it was jumping all over the place,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12with misfiring, so on and so forth.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17And then, finally, it just gave up the ghost, basically.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22So we had to abandon the vehicle and get it back home.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25David called up Prestige Car Sales
0:04:25 > 0:04:27to report that the car had broken down.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30He said, "Well, can you get the vehicle to us?"
0:04:30 > 0:04:33I said, "No, we can't really because it's immobile".
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Instead, they agreed he'd take it to a local garage.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Their inspection revealed a plethora of problems.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42The coil springs at the back were gone,
0:04:42 > 0:04:47the exhaust, um...manifold nuts were missing, so that was leaking gases.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49He said, "If I was you," he said, "I've got it running for you,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52"but you shouldn't really spend any more money," he said,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55"because the misfiring's still there
0:04:55 > 0:04:59"and diagnostically, it's telling me that it could be the engine,
0:04:59 > 0:05:04"it could be the gearbox or it could be a sensor."
0:05:04 > 0:05:07I mean, what do you do? Do you replace the three?
0:05:07 > 0:05:10It could have been anything up to about £2,000-£3,000.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14It was very, very frustrating that they'd sent the vehicle out
0:05:14 > 0:05:18in that sort of condition after me telling them
0:05:18 > 0:05:22and explaining to them what the vehicle was going to be used for.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28David spent £600 fixing just enough to get the car back on the road
0:05:28 > 0:05:33and contacted Prestige Car Sales about the remaining problems.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35He said, "Well, bring the vehicle back", he said,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37"and we'll sort it out for you".
0:05:37 > 0:05:40So, David returned the car to the dealers.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43But while he waited for it be repaired, he took a closer look
0:05:43 > 0:05:46at the service history documents which he still had.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49He found a cylinder head had previously been replaced
0:05:49 > 0:05:52and the car had experienced recurring issues
0:05:52 > 0:05:54with the engine misfiring.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56I said to my wife, I said, "Look,"
0:05:56 > 0:05:59I said, "this car isn't any good".
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I said, "It's just not fit for purpose, basically".
0:06:03 > 0:06:06David decided he no longer wanted it
0:06:06 > 0:06:09and asked Prestige Car Sales to keep the car and give him a refund.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13They told him to put it writing, so he did.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18I just said I'd forgo the £600 and £200 I spent on tyres,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21just pay me that, I think, £2,290.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25I said, "All I want is my money back, basically,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27"so we can get another vehicle".
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Um...no reply. Nothing. Nothing at all.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35I couldn't believe that someone could think that they could
0:06:35 > 0:06:40just take £2,000-plus off somebody, a working person,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43and seem to think they'd forget all about it.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46David took Prestige Car Sales to court.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49They didn't defend the case, so he won a default judgment
0:06:49 > 0:06:51for the full cost of the car
0:06:51 > 0:06:53and the repairs he'd made at his own expense.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55They still haven't paid.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58So, now David's put the sheriffs on the case.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01It's a necessity and it's got to be done.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Otherwise, um...I don't know,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I've no other way of getting the money back, anyway.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16In South London, Lawrence and Kev
0:07:16 > 0:07:19are about to pay Prestige Car Sales a visit.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Hoping the dealers are still here, for a start.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Hoping they've got some assets,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25some cars worth some value.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28As they approach, it appears
0:07:28 > 0:07:31the garage is tucked away behind the main high street.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35They head in to make their introductions.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Hello, mate.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Are you the owner, by any chance? - No, mate.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43- Is the owner about?- Sorry?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Is the owner about?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50We've got a High Court writ against Prestige Car Sales.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51We're ordered out by the High Court
0:07:51 > 0:07:54to take control of goods to be sold at auction and clear the debt.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Sorry, are you the owner, are you?
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Sorry, he just said you weren't here, so...
0:08:02 > 0:08:04I'll show you some ID, my name's Mr Grix.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07The boss is here after all.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11Now Lawrence has to explain the whole thing all over again.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14We're ordered out by the High Court
0:08:14 > 0:08:17to take control of goods to the value of £3,958.29.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Those goods can be sold at auction to clear the debt.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22The boss leads them into the back.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26The only way to prevent further action today is to pay in full.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30The garage extends behind the row of shops
0:08:30 > 0:08:34and is actually much larger than it appeared from the street.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36But we don't get to admire the stock for long.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- We'll wait outside.- All right.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Our camera is sent outside.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Indoors, Lawrence explains that if the owner
0:08:51 > 0:08:54doesn't come up with the nearly £4,000 the court demands,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56then he'll have no choice but to leave
0:08:56 > 0:08:59with at least one of Prestige Car Sales' vehicles.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01The boss isn't happy
0:09:01 > 0:09:04and says he's applied to get the judgment set aside,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07but he doesn't yet even have a court date.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09He knows all about it. He's actually got the car here,
0:09:09 > 0:09:13so I don't know why he's got the car here and hasn't paid it.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17He's actually going back to court at some point.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20He hasn't got a date for that yet, but he will be going back to court.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Lawrence has told him the best course of action is to pay up now
0:09:24 > 0:09:27and try to challenge it later.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29It sounds like that's what he's going to do.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31He knows he's got to pay it, so he's going to get a card
0:09:31 > 0:09:35from one of his colleagues in there and they're going to pay for it.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41The sheriffs have been on site for a mere 20 minutes
0:09:41 > 0:09:43when associates of the owner arrive.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Between them, they produce a card and Lawrence takes a payment
0:09:48 > 0:09:51for the full £3,958 owed.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54All went fairly smoothly.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57They will undoubtedly take some kind of legal action, I would think,
0:09:57 > 0:10:01to stop the money being paid out until they've had the hearing,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03but at the end of the day, we've been paid
0:10:03 > 0:10:04and that's all we're worried about.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08In the end, Prestige Car Sales' application
0:10:08 > 0:10:11to get the judgment set aside came to nothing.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13The case never did go back to court.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Five months after buying the car,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18David Goddard has got his money back.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21I'm very pleased that the outcome is in our favour
0:10:21 > 0:10:24and we've received our money back.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25It's great, brilliant.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35If you've been ripped off
0:10:35 > 0:10:39and the person or company responsible refuses to pay you back,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42the first step is to make a claim in the county court.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44It's simple to do this online.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47For a small fee, depending on the size of the claim,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49the court will review the evidence.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53And if it finds in your favour, the debtor will be ordered to pay up.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56If they don't, then for a further £60,
0:10:56 > 0:10:58the High Court will grant a writ,
0:10:58 > 0:11:02authorising the sheriffs to act on your behalf.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04If they're successful, you get all your money back.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Lawrence and Kev are in the van and heading to Ashford in Kent.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18We are going to SBE Ltd.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22We're looking for a total of £2,325 today.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Our claimant is Extreme Clean Commercial Ltd.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31The cleaning company successfully took SBE Ltd to the county court
0:11:31 > 0:11:33over an unpaid invoice.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36After the debt still wasn't settled,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40they've now transferred up to the High Court and got a writ.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43The Sheriffs don't know much about the details of the case,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45but it does gives the pair the opportunity
0:11:45 > 0:11:48to reflect on their own cleaning abilities.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52I am quite tidy, actually, yeah.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56I'm afraid my cleaning doesn't come up to scratch at home.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00My garage is always tidy, everything's in its place.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03That's my domain and people aren't allowed in there.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08And it's not just Lawrence's garage that's spic-and-span.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11In the van, too, his orderliness has impressed Kev.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15We've got a first-aid kit, we've got a hammer around here
0:12:15 > 0:12:17just in case the van turns upside down
0:12:17 > 0:12:19and we need to smash a windscreen to get out.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- Doesn't have to be my van, does it? - In case of a werewolf(!)
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Could come across an accident on the road
0:12:23 > 0:12:25and somebody needs busting out their car.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29If the apocalypse was to hit now,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31we'd be all right in this van, that's all I'm saying.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33There's everything in here you'd ever need.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Ha-ha!
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Fortunately, the apocalypse hasn't arrived
0:12:38 > 0:12:41by the time they reach the business's premises.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42There it is.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45They don't know what SBE Ltd does,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47or whether there'll be any assets to take.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50The signs on the building don't give much away.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54"Global Electronic Service Logistics Management."
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Whatever that means.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58But they'll soon find out.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- Oh, good morning.- Morning.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Name's Mr Grix... My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08We've a High Court writ to execute against SBE Ltd
0:13:08 > 0:13:12so we probably need to speak to somebody in legal or accounts.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16But before reception can call anyone, a woman comes down the stairs.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Hi, there.- Oh, hello.- We are High Court enforcement agents.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24We have a High Court writ against SBE Ltd on behalf of
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Extreme Clean Commercial Ltd.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30We are here today to take control of goods to the value of £2,325.53.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34Oh, OK. That's a bit odd. I'm disputing it.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Unfortunately, the bottom line is we have a High Court writ which
0:13:37 > 0:13:40commands us to come here and take control of goods to clear the debt.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42And the only way to prevent further action is to pay in full.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- What shall I do?- Pay.- How do I pay? - Transfer.- Transfer.- OK.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Shall we go to a meeting room? - Yeah, sure.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51I don't want anything filmed.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58The woman takes them upstairs but our camera is asked to leave.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Inside, things start to get complicated.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03They've been joined by the managing director
0:14:03 > 0:14:06and it seems the company isn't willing to just pay up after all.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11The sheriffs have also realised there's a factory
0:14:11 > 0:14:14at the back of the building, full of potential assets.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Only the MD won't let them in.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23When Lawrence demands access, the staff set off the alarms.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24ALARM BLARES
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Moments later, the police arrive.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31What should have been a simple job
0:14:31 > 0:14:33has turned into a headache for the sheriffs.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38After explaining themselves to the officers,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42Kev comes outside to fill us in on what's been happening.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43Yeah, it's a big old company.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Out the back, the workings of the factory,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48they're repairing mobile phones.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53There are machines and other assets worth thousands.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56No wonder the managing director doesn't want to let the sheriffs in.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58He wasn't prepared to pay,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01wanted us to wait around for the rest of the day and possibly longer.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07But it seems light-footed Lawrence has managed to give the MD the slip.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Lawrence, in his nimbleness, went through a door
0:15:11 > 0:15:14and we were into the workshop.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17With the sheriffs listing assets in the back,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20it was game over for SBE Ltd.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24We're back dealing with the lady we were initially dealing with.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27She has her debit card and she will be paying.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30So, we've got the card machine here, we're going in, getting payment,
0:15:30 > 0:15:33full payment, and we should be on our way soon.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Kev heads back in with the machine
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and true to their word the company finally pay up.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Debtor's assets are the leverage sheriffs need to get paid
0:15:43 > 0:15:47and they have the right to explore a premises to find them.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49We were dealing with it quite sensibly
0:15:49 > 0:15:52and calmly initially with the young lady,
0:15:52 > 0:15:56but then the managing director came down and started getting himself
0:15:56 > 0:15:59involved telling us we couldn't do this, we couldn't do that.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02We were required to stay in reception,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06we said we weren't going to so he instructed the receptionist to press
0:16:06 > 0:16:10the panic alarm but I managed to nip through a door
0:16:10 > 0:16:12when somebody went through it so I declined the offer
0:16:12 > 0:16:15to go back to reception which didn't please them very much.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18But after ten minutes, the young lady came back
0:16:18 > 0:16:20and said she would pay it on her card.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23And that's what happened. So, we got paid in full.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26And with that, the sheriffs head off to the next job.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32The cleaning company will now get the £2,325 they were owed.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44This morning, Tommy and Craig are in the Black Country.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48So, we're off to West Bromwich this morning with regards
0:16:48 > 0:16:52to two employment tribunal cases against the same company.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55The company itself is Enable UK Midlands Limited.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58The director of the company is an Amjad Mahmood.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03One's for £5,100 and the other one is for £11,700.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13Enable UK Midlands Limited provides supported living services
0:17:13 > 0:17:15for the disabled and elderly.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19In 2015, the Care Quality Commission described its services
0:17:19 > 0:17:24as "not always safe" and the leadership as "inadequate".
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Now, two former staff members have won employment tribunal cases
0:17:29 > 0:17:32for breaches of contract and unpaid wages.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33Today, the sheriffs are instructed
0:17:33 > 0:17:37to collect a total of nearly £17,000.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Whatever amount we collect today,
0:17:40 > 0:17:44we will split the money equally to each case so they both get a share
0:17:44 > 0:17:47and, hopefully, also, we'll have an arrangement in place
0:17:47 > 0:17:48to pay the rest off for them.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53The job's the same with two writs as with one
0:17:53 > 0:17:56and the first step, as always, is to find the boss.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Hello.- Hi.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02I'm trying to get in contact with Enable UK Ltd.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03Can I help you?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- Take a seat... - In the waiting room? OK?
0:18:06 > 0:18:09The sheriffs are ushered into a waiting room
0:18:09 > 0:18:11and Tommy immediately fears the worst.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- They're going to try and hold us here.- They won't, mate. They won't.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Sheriffs have been locked in cupboards
0:18:17 > 0:18:21and meeting rooms before so now always take precautions.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27I've double-checked all the doors - they've got no locks on.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30They said, can we just wait in the waiting room for a minute.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Bit of courtesy, we will do that,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34but once we've explained the situation to them,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36they need to pay it or we carry on doing our job
0:18:36 > 0:18:37which is taking control of goods.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42After a minute's wait, a man comes in to talk to them.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Hello, sir.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Is Amjad about?
0:18:53 > 0:18:55My name is Mr Wild.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58We are here today with two High Court writs for employment
0:18:58 > 0:19:05tribunal liabilities. The total outstanding is £16,962.03.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10We are not leaving until we are paid.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13We can give you some account details to pay it now. If you want them.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18Speak to Amjad first and I will have a chat with him.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- He ain't got the money. - They ain't got the money, no.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Although happy to wait if it looks like they are going to get paid,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Craig's patience isn't going to last long.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32I think his attitude was that we would leave them letters
0:19:32 > 0:19:36and walk away, but we don't. Not when it gets to this stage.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39We have the power and authority to walk around these premises
0:19:39 > 0:19:41and that's what we will be doing.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44The man comes back but he has not been able to get
0:19:44 > 0:19:47through to the director, Amjad Mahmood.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56We've come up because we need to see where you're trading from.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59No, we're not going to sit here.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Where are you trading from, office-wise?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06We will come and have a look.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- We can, we have the authority. - We have a legal right to do so.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- I've shown you my identification. - I showed you mine.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- I can show you again. We're not waiting here now.- We can't wait.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18While Craig investigates what's upstairs,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Tommy heads into the office.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Before he can do anything, however,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25our camera attracts the attention of the men present.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42We leave and continue filming from the road.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Inside, staff tell Craig and Tommy
0:20:45 > 0:20:48that they haven't seen Amjad Mahmood for three weeks.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51And that there are three other companies in the building
0:20:51 > 0:20:54who, between them, own all the goods.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Sheriffs are entitled to carry out a diligent search
0:20:57 > 0:20:59for information pertaining to their writ
0:20:59 > 0:21:02and as they hunt through paperwork in the office,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Craig and Tommy discover that not only is Mr Mahmood a director
0:21:05 > 0:21:08of at least one of the other companies in the building,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12but they also find a document listing many of the office goods
0:21:12 > 0:21:14as the property of Enable UK Midlands Limited.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Tommy comes out to fill us in.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Yeah, it got a bit heated initially inside the building,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26but there's four separate companies operating within there,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29and all claiming not to know the director of our company
0:21:29 > 0:21:32which we started to find out is not true.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34We started finding more and more paperwork of our company.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Obviously got them a bit irate.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39They started to realise we're not just going to go away.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42With Tommy confident at least some of the goods belong to the
0:21:42 > 0:21:46company on their writ, the staff in the office were out of options.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49So, they gave up at this point.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51The more information we gather, you see them breaking down
0:21:51 > 0:21:54and they've come to a deal which is they're going to pay 6,900.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56They'll do a controlled goods agreement
0:21:56 > 0:21:59until the rest of the balance is paid on both orders.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Tommy heads back inside with the card machine and he and Craig
0:22:03 > 0:22:06take payment. It's not long before they're back.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10We have a part payment today of £6,900 which brought
0:22:10 > 0:22:12the balance down to £10,000 exactly.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16As time went by, we kept finding more and more information
0:22:16 > 0:22:18sort of contradicting what they were telling us.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20They ended up looking a bit silly in the end
0:22:20 > 0:22:23and I think they realised and we got the result we did.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25They haven't seen Amjad since Christmas,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28they don't know where he is, he's uncontactable
0:22:28 > 0:22:31and, ultimately, Mr Amjad has 48 hours
0:22:31 > 0:22:34in which to get in contact with our office otherwise we
0:22:34 > 0:22:38will be back to execute and complete the execution of the court order.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Following the sheriffs' visit, Enable UK Midlands Limited
0:22:42 > 0:22:47entered into a payment plan to clear the outstanding balance.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Further money was received, however two months later, the company
0:22:50 > 0:22:55was wound up, leaving its debt to its former workers part-paid.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13It has just gone 8am and Lawrence and Kev are in Romford, Essex.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15We're going to Euro Car Parts.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19We're looking for £6,678.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23The company on the writ is a large distributor of vehicle parts
0:23:23 > 0:23:25and garage equipment.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Unusually, the sheriffs are visiting one of its branches
0:23:28 > 0:23:33rather than the company's head office but Kev is feeling confident.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38Got a lot of leverage in the fact the assets there are going to be
0:23:38 > 0:23:40worth a lot more than what our debt is.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Fairly confident that we're going to get paid.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Lawrence's experience of dealing with large companies
0:23:46 > 0:23:48suggests otherwise.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50It could take a while just to
0:23:50 > 0:23:54track the claimant down in their system.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58I think it's going to be a bit of a pain, to be honest.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01And it's his prediction that will turn out to be true.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06The sheriffs arrive at the business unaware of the saga that awaits.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Here we go. Euro Car Parts.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14They're immediately recognised by a customer on their way in.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22And a staff member gets the boss.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24You are the manager, yeah?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27We've a High Court writ against Euro Car Parts.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32We're here today to take control of goods to the value of £6,678.37.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37Apparently, it was garage equipment which was supplied which was faulty.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Lawrence tells him the name of the claimant
0:24:40 > 0:24:42and he seems to know about the case.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47That was before I was branch manager here.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48Great(!)
0:24:48 > 0:24:53We're quite happy to go out of public view to get this sorted.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54Sure.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58He leads them upstairs to discuss it further.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00You know who it is, yeah?
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Yeah, I was a sales manager and at the time,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06we used to supply them and I know there was a falling out.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10The manager says he remembers a dispute over a piece of machinery.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15A local garage bought an exhaust gas analyser but were not happy with it.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18He says the manufacturer examined the machine
0:25:18 > 0:25:20and determined there wasn't a problem.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23And so, the store refused to issue a refund.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26It is quite an expensive part then, I presume.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29It's what they stick up your tail pipe for an MOT.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Regardless of what the debt is for,
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Lawrence has a job to do
0:25:33 > 0:25:36and he gets straight to the point.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41We're looking to remove, basically, 6,700 quids' worth of stuff
0:25:41 > 0:25:42at auction value so...
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Probably five times that...
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- What do they have to do otherwise? - Pay it!
0:25:50 > 0:25:54As Lawrence suspected, the manager couldn't, if he wanted to.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56He calls his boss.
0:25:56 > 0:26:02These people are here now to take away 6,000 pounds' worth of goods
0:26:02 > 0:26:07unless we pay it. Do you want to have a quick word with the guy?
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- This is my regional manager. - Hello there, sir.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14The regional manager says he knew nothing about any legal action
0:26:14 > 0:26:18and says the company never received any papers from the courts
0:26:18 > 0:26:20so Lawrence checks his file.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22All that I can see here,
0:26:22 > 0:26:26the paperwork went to Units 1 and 2, Lyon House.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29In RM1.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34The manager says he doesn't recognise the address
0:26:34 > 0:26:35and as he hasn't seen the paperwork,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39he doesn't think the sheriffs should enforce today.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Right, I can understand what you're saying
0:26:41 > 0:26:43but that's not for us to decide on today.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47The simplest way, you aren't going to like this, but nobody does,
0:26:47 > 0:26:52is to pay it, we hold the money for 14 days by law anyway,
0:26:52 > 0:26:57which gives you 14 days to seek independent legal advice. Bye-bye.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02He's going to phone somebody at head office.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- Was he aware of it, was he? - No.- Not at all?- No.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08And now the store manager wants to take a closer
0:27:08 > 0:27:11look at the address on the paperwork.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Euro Car Parts, Unit 1 and 2,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- Lyon House, RM1 2VA. - That's not us, is it?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20It's probably why we don't know anything about it!
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Is that not head office or anything?
0:27:23 > 0:27:25A quick search online gives the answer.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28That's Europe Cars!
0:27:28 > 0:27:30You've still come to the wrong place, we know nothing about it.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33No wonder we couldn't defend it or anything.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36So, I think you have to give us some time due to that.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39We don't, unfortunately, because we've got a live writ.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45It looks like the court paperwork was sent to Europe Car,
0:27:45 > 0:27:49a car hire business totally unconnected to Euro Car Parts.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52The company are understandably unhappy about paying out
0:27:52 > 0:27:58over £6,500 for a case they say they knew nothing about.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01But the sheriffs have a writ in the company's name
0:28:01 > 0:28:04which has to be enforced.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07The court has ordered us to come here and take control of goods.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11The way to deal with it today is to pay it and at some point
0:28:11 > 0:28:14if we're ordered to pay the money back, we pay the money back.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16That is the sensible way to deal with it today.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19That decision currently rests with the regional manager.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23While the sheriffs wait to hear back, they start to think
0:28:23 > 0:28:26about possible items for removal if it came to it.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28On this occasion, they might not even have to
0:28:28 > 0:28:31look around the building to find out what's there.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Realising Lawrence is a car buff,
0:28:33 > 0:28:35the manager's gone to get a catalogue.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Lawrence is going to be in his element.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43There's all sorts in here.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46He's going to love that. Look, there we go. Post lifts.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Lawrence's eyes light up at the range of car lifts on offer.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55And the manager's salesman instincts take over.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59Single face 2,100 + VAT. £10 a week.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Gosh!
0:29:02 > 0:29:05This could be a first, Lawrence sold something on a job.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06Never seen this happen.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10Don't think my wife would be too impressed.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Luckily for Lawrence's wife, a call comes in before he can commit
0:29:13 > 0:29:16to installing a £2,000 vehicle lift on her driveway.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Hello there.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Lawrence is slowly making his way up the company chain of command
0:29:24 > 0:29:26but the head of legal he is now speaking to you
0:29:26 > 0:29:29is no happier about the sheriffs' attendance.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33She, too, says that as Euro Car Parts haven't had the paperwork,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36they shouldn't have to pay.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38It's not in our remit
0:29:38 > 0:29:42to look at the case and say we shouldn't be here.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45We have a live writ, we are commanded by the High Court
0:29:45 > 0:29:49to come here today and take control of goods to clear this debt.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53She says she will try and go back to court to get a stay of execution
0:29:53 > 0:29:57on the writ and apply to have the original judgment set aside.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59But Lawrence knows it's unlikely to happen
0:29:59 > 0:30:02before he's forced to remove goods today.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Right, that's entirely your prerogative, but can I suggest
0:30:05 > 0:30:08that somebody starts looking into how you're going to pay this?
0:30:08 > 0:30:11We've been here over an hour now and things need to move on.
0:30:11 > 0:30:12OK.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15OK. Bye-bye.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Lawrence thinks he might have finally got his point across,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22but 35 minutes later, there's been no news.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24I'm just wondering if you can give me an update
0:30:24 > 0:30:26cos the sheriffs are getting a bit impatient now.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29They've been here an hour and 45 minutes. Thanks.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34The manager doesn't get an answer and, ten minutes later,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Lawrence tries himself.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38I was just phoning for an update, really,
0:30:38 > 0:30:40because we need to be moving things on now.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43No disrespect to yourself, but if you haven't had authority to get
0:30:43 > 0:30:47this paid, then I'm going to ask the branch manager here to try
0:30:47 > 0:30:50and find somebody who has got the authority to get it paid,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53and if it isn't, we're going to start removing goods.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Lawrence has been repeating himself for some time now
0:30:56 > 0:30:59and his frustration is growing.
0:30:59 > 0:31:00You can see the wording on the writ.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03I am commanded to take control of goods to clear this debt,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06but I'm sure nobody at Euro Car Parts is going to lose any sleep
0:31:06 > 0:31:10and the company's not going to go bust for the sake of £6,500.
0:31:10 > 0:31:11Pay it.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14If we're ordered by the court to refund it at some point,
0:31:14 > 0:31:15we'll refund it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20But the powers that be still don't seem to want to pay.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Right, well...
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Right, OK. We're going to start removing goods, then. Erm...
0:31:25 > 0:31:28You know, there's nothing more to be said.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Lawrence's ultimatum finally has the desired effect.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36I can furnish the branch manager with our bank details.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38That's not a problem. It needs to be an immediate payment.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42We need to verify that it's in our account before we can leave here.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- Did she say she is going to pay it, then?- Yeah.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48After all the toing and froing, Lawrence has finally won the battle.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Faced with imminent removal of the goods,
0:31:50 > 0:31:54the company has agreed to pay, and half an hour later,
0:31:54 > 0:31:56the money is in the sheriffs' bank account.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Yes, it's in. Right, I'll do you a receipt.
0:32:02 > 0:32:03After more than three hours,
0:32:03 > 0:32:06the sheriffs can't leave quickly enough.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Thank you very much.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Starving. We've been in there hours.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- I know.- We've got to get some food.- Yeah.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15It's been a tough morning,
0:32:15 > 0:32:19but Lawrence and Kev have fulfilled their duty and satisfied the writ.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23It took a while to convince them to do so, but they've paid in full,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26knowing the money is going to be held for 14 days.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28If we're ordered to pay it back by the court,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31then we'll do so, but, you know, we've done as much as we can.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33We've collected full payment.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34Following the sheriffs visit,
0:32:34 > 0:32:38the judgment against Euro Car Parts was set aside
0:32:38 > 0:32:41because the court papers had been served to the wrong address.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43The sheriffs returned the money
0:32:43 > 0:32:46and a new court date was set for the case to be heard.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Sheriffs are now officially known as "High Court enforcement agents"
0:32:51 > 0:32:54and they'll collect the money you're owed.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57My job is to collect in full or remove goods.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00They've got more powers of entry than bailiffs...
0:33:00 > 0:33:03We don't have to take any notice of your security protocol, I'm afraid.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06..and there's no limit on the size of the debts they can pursue.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08£1.6 million.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Their fees are set by the Government,
0:33:10 > 0:33:14which debtors have to pay on top of what they already owe.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Thank you very much. See you later.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19If the sheriffs can't recover any of your money,
0:33:19 > 0:33:22there's a fee of £75 plus VAT.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35In the Midlands, sheriff Craig Wild is on the road with a tricky case.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38This time, it's a photography business that's in the frame.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42So, we're off to Sutton Coldfield this morning.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45It appears to be a home address.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49The claimant in this particular case, a Mr Philip Heron,
0:33:49 > 0:33:53has took North Face Imaging to court
0:33:53 > 0:33:56and obtained a County Court judgment
0:33:56 > 0:33:59and a High Court writ against the company.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Mr Heron hired North Face Imaging to take photos at his wedding,
0:34:02 > 0:34:05but he says he never received them,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08so he took North Face Imaging to court to recover the fees
0:34:08 > 0:34:12and won a default judgment when the case wasn't defended.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17Now, Craig is looking for £2,260.48 to settle the bill,
0:34:17 > 0:34:20but it's not going to be easy.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24The complexities of this particular case is that it doesn't
0:34:24 > 0:34:27appear to be a limited company.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30I have to seize goods belonging to the defendant,
0:34:30 > 0:34:32which is only a trading name.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34We haven't got that individual's name
0:34:34 > 0:34:36because he's not named on the writ.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Craig's only got a trading name,
0:34:38 > 0:34:42not the company or person who actually owes the money.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45He parks up near the address and it's just as he feared -
0:34:45 > 0:34:47not a business premises, but a home.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52If he knew who the man behind the trading name on the writ was,
0:34:52 > 0:34:55it might help his case, so he does some last-minute research.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01This is, er, the gentleman's, er, website.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02It quite clearly states here,
0:35:02 > 0:35:06"Please be aware that we operate from my home address."
0:35:06 > 0:35:09That means it's more likely there'll be valuable assets
0:35:09 > 0:35:12such as photographic equipment here.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14But there's bad news, too.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17It also states that he no longer trades.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Sole traders may retire their trading names,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24but without the protection of a limited company, any debts they
0:35:24 > 0:35:28incur are their own, personally, and can still be chased up.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31With a bit more digging,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35Craig finds an online review, which mentions the photographer by name,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37and there's even a picture.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39He's got a LinkedIn profile. That's him.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Armed with all the information he needs,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46Craig parks up on the driveway and heads to the door.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Hello, my love. Sorry to disturb you.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52It's the photographer's wife who answers.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56She's not pleased to see us, and the camera retreats to the road.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00My name's Mr Wild.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04I'm here today with a High Court writ for North Face Imaging.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07The photographer's wife says the debtor is at work,
0:36:07 > 0:36:08so Craig shows her the writ.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14The claimant in this particular case is a Mr Philip Heron.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18She thinks the debt's been paid and goes in search of paperwork,
0:36:18 > 0:36:19but when she returns,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22it's a telephone that she pushes through the letterbox.
0:36:25 > 0:36:26Hello?
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Craig's finally through to the photographer,
0:36:29 > 0:36:33who immediately tells him he can't come up with the £2,000 plus
0:36:33 > 0:36:35he owes and wants until the end of the month.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39That's not an issue at all,
0:36:39 > 0:36:43providing we fulfil the obligation of the court order, and that
0:36:43 > 0:36:48basically means that we have to take control of goods in lieu of payment.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Removing the contents of the house would be unpleasant for all parties
0:36:52 > 0:36:55and most of the items would be unlikely to raise much
0:36:55 > 0:36:58at auction anyway, but Craig knows the man is bound to own
0:36:58 > 0:37:03some valuable photographic equipment, so makes a proposal.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06What I'm prepared to do in this particular case would be just
0:37:06 > 0:37:08listing down the photographic equipment,
0:37:08 > 0:37:10rather than household goods.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17The debtor says most of his kit is on loan to someone else, but Craig
0:37:17 > 0:37:21has got to either get a payment or take control of goods of some value.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26What I'm saying is, is there anything here, photographic-wise,
0:37:26 > 0:37:27that I can list down?
0:37:27 > 0:37:30If I list a camera down here now,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33that would then give me the authority to give you to the end of
0:37:33 > 0:37:35the month to make the discharge to the account.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Finally, they agree that Craig will take control
0:37:37 > 0:37:41of a camera that is being stored inside the house.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43The phone goes back through the letterbox.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- DOG BARKS - The dog's going to bite my hand off.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49The photographer's wife needs to sign a controlled goods agreement
0:37:49 > 0:37:53on her husband's behalf, and so Craig is let into the house.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58The agreement means if the photographer doesn't pay his bill
0:37:58 > 0:38:02by the end of the month, the camera may be taken to be sold at auction.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04We took control of the goods.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07His wife signed the control of goods agreement,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10giving him till the 30th of January to pay in full.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15To that end, it's been a fantastic result for Mr Heron, the claimant.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17The debt was soon settled in full.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Mr Heron would rather have got his wedding photos,
0:38:19 > 0:38:21but at least he's got his money back.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28North Face Imaging insist they...
0:38:37 > 0:38:38They say...
0:38:57 > 0:39:01In 2005, new laws were introduced meaning that passengers can
0:39:01 > 0:39:03claim compensation from airlines
0:39:03 > 0:39:06if their flights are delayed more than three hours.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11It's estimated that more than £100 million
0:39:11 > 0:39:13is paid out in the UK every year.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19But customers don't always find it easy
0:39:19 > 0:39:21to get the money they're rightfully owed.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26Collecting unpaid compensation has become a regular job
0:39:26 > 0:39:30for the sheriffs and today, Lawrence and Kev have got another one.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34This morning, nice and early, eight o'clock,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37we're heading over to Heathrow Airport.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40We're going to Vueling Airlines.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43They owe just over £1,000. It's £1,046.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48It's a low-cost Spanish airline.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51The claimant is owed compensation from a delayed flight
0:39:51 > 0:39:52more than two years ago...
0:39:54 > 0:39:56..which Vueling still hasn't paid.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59They've got an office just outside the main terminal.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03What a pain it's going to be, trying to find somewhere to park!
0:40:03 > 0:40:04As is often the case,
0:40:04 > 0:40:08Lawrence is more fazed by where to leave the van than the job ahead.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14Airlines normally pay up. They've certainly got the money to do so.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16We have to seize assets and they have planes,
0:40:16 > 0:40:21so, potentially, we could be taking control of a plane or planes,
0:40:21 > 0:40:22but for this amount of money,
0:40:22 > 0:40:24I can't see anything like that happening.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27They'll be paying this money, erm...
0:40:27 > 0:40:29and we'll be on our way. I'm sure of it.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Lawrence needn't have worried.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36The address turns out to be well away from the main terminals.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37Keep your eye open, co-pilot.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40That's it.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Once they've found it, there's plenty of space for the van
0:40:43 > 0:40:45and they head in.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47BEEPING
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Oh, we're in.
0:40:50 > 0:40:51We're in.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54The sheriffs have come to the office of IAG -
0:40:54 > 0:40:58International Airlines Group - the holding company of Vueling,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01as well as British Airways and Iberia.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05They introduce themselves to reception.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10Morning. We're looking for Vueling Airlines.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14Just say there are enforcement agents with a High Court writ.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Reception calls ahead to warn the airline,
0:41:16 > 0:41:20and with a visitor badge made, Lawrence and Kev head upstairs.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Hello, there. I believe somebody's coming to see us.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29My name's Mr Grix. My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Moments later, that someone appears.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33Hello, there.
0:41:34 > 0:41:35But before he talks to Lawrence,
0:41:35 > 0:41:38he wants our camera out of the building.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Inside, Lawrence shows him the writ.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Kev was right about one thing -
0:41:49 > 0:41:52there's no need to go and clamp any aircraft.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Vueling might have kept the claimant waiting for his flight
0:41:55 > 0:41:59and his compensation, but with the sheriffs on the doorstep,
0:41:59 > 0:42:01they get things moving a lot more quickly.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07In less than an hour, Lawrence and Kev emerge from the building
0:42:07 > 0:42:10and they've been paid in full.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11We were shown to a conference room
0:42:11 > 0:42:13and the head of finance came in and spoke to us.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16They made the payment fairly quickly, but because it was made
0:42:16 > 0:42:18after midday, apparently it won't hit our bank account
0:42:18 > 0:42:22until tomorrow, but I've seen the printout of the payment
0:42:22 > 0:42:25being made, so I've basically issued a conditional receipt,
0:42:25 > 0:42:30which is nil balance, subject to the clearance of funds into our account.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34I've no reason to doubt that the payment
0:42:34 > 0:42:37will drop into our account tomorrow, so it's another paid in full.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41He may have had to fight for it, but now,
0:42:41 > 0:42:44more than two years since his delayed flight, the passenger
0:42:44 > 0:42:49finally has the compensation the law says he was entitled to all along.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53It's another successful case for the sheriffs.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Vueling Airlines told us they...
0:43:03 > 0:43:04But the...