0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Meet the sheriffs.- My name's Mr Grix, my colleagues and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- It's to do with a High Court order. - They work for the High Court,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12and if it says you're owed money, it's their job to go and get it.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16I'm here for £6,072.18.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- They can demand payment on the spot. - I'm here for the full balance.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- How are you going to pay it? - Or remove assets instead.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26The car will be going, unless you can pay it.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30You'll have a week to pay in full before it gets sold at auction.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Obstructing their work can be a criminal offence.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- I wouldn't do that if I was you. - The door needs to stay open.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Every year in England and Wales, unpaid debts totalling more
0:00:41 > 0:00:44than £80 million are recovered by the sheriffs.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54Coming up... Louise Alderson bought a second-hand car which was
0:00:54 > 0:00:55a deathtrap.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58The back wheels were only holding on by one wheel nut,
0:00:58 > 0:01:02the side impact bars weren't there. I am lucky to be alive.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05But when the sheriffs visit the dealer, it all kicks off.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Lawrence discovers his claimant's not the only one owed money.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Now that you've told me that, if this isn't paid,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20I'm going to be pulling the shutters down and changing the locks.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Ken's got a writ for a multinational giant.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Look at the size of these buildings! It looks like Cape Canaveral.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Today in the West Midlands, Tommy Coyle and Craig Wild's
0:01:33 > 0:01:37investigative skills are about to be tested.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41We're going back to a job where we've been to before.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46It's a car pound. When we went before, we left notification of our attendance.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48They haven't responded to our paperwork,
0:01:48 > 0:01:50so we're back here again.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55The debtor deals in second-hand cars, and the claimant in the case
0:01:55 > 0:01:58is the Louise Alderson, a teacher who came across
0:01:58 > 0:02:01the company when she was looking for a new car to get her to work.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06My old car had done quite a lot of mileage, it was getting to
0:02:06 > 0:02:09the point where it probably needed a lot of repair work.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12I was looking for another Ford Fiesta.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15And when I spotted a lovely car advertised in Auto Trader,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17it looked really sporty and really attractive.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19And I'd just got married
0:02:19 > 0:02:21and my husband said, "Yeah, spoil yourself."
0:02:21 > 0:02:23The Fiesta was £6,000,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26reduced to £5,000 with the part exchange of her old car.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30She took out a loan to pay for it, and drove it away.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34But it wasn't long before she experienced the first sign of trouble.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39About ten miles, maybe 15 miles away, on the way home,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42the engine warning light came on.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45So I pulled over, phoned them up and said this is what's happened,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and he basically said, "Turn the engine off and turn it back
0:02:48 > 0:02:52"on again, and I assure you it won't come back on." And it didn't.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56But when the same thing happened the following day, Louise began
0:02:56 > 0:03:01to get worried and took the car to a Ford specialist to check it over.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04They found that the car had been badly repaired
0:03:04 > 0:03:08following an accident. And there was a catalogue of problems.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10The welding had been done incorrectly,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13the brake pipe was severely bent.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16The fan... The wiring for the brakes was actually hanging into the fan,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18and all of the electrics, most of them,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21had been disconnected, so it didn't even have air conditioning.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22It was a shock.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25A, I was very emotionally upset, and B,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29I'd just spent the money, couldn't afford, needed a car for
0:03:29 > 0:03:32work and was thinking, "What on earth am I going to do?"
0:03:32 > 0:03:35What she did was get straight on the phone to the dealers.
0:03:36 > 0:03:42They told me that the actual owner was away...abroad at the time.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45And we'd have to wait until the following Monday until he was back.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49That Monday came and went, no call. I phoned them.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53They still said, "Oh, no, he's still not here, you'll have to wait."
0:03:53 > 0:03:55However, they just kept fobbing me off.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Frustrated, Louise called Trading Standards.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03They sent out an independent vehicle inspector, who found even more
0:04:03 > 0:04:05problems with the car.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09The back wheels were only holding on by one wheel nut.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11He found there had been other damage,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13the side impact bars weren't there.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15He actually said I was very lucky to be alive.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19And that's how I do feel, that I am lucky to be alive.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Yet even with this damning verdict on the car's dangerous condition,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27the garage still wouldn't commit to giving her a refund.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31So, Louise pursued the dealership through the County Courts.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35They didn't defend the case, and she was awarded a default judgment,
0:04:35 > 0:04:39requiring the company to pay her back, plus costs.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42They didn't, and now Louise has turned to the sheriffs as
0:04:42 > 0:04:43a last resort.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47The whole thing has been such an ordeal,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49I've had sleepless nights, I've been ill through it.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52All I can hope is that the sheriffs can get some money back for
0:04:52 > 0:04:55this for me, because if they can't do it, nobody can.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Last time the sheriffs visited the dealership,
0:05:05 > 0:05:07they found a large lot full of vehicles.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10However, it was locked up and no-one was around,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12so all they could do was leave a letter.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Today, they're back, and it already looks more promising.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- It's open.- Are you ready?
0:05:21 > 0:05:22So it is open,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25we're going to go straight in now and hopefully confront these people.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Again, there are plenty of cars in the yard,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33and this time the sheriffs have no problem finding someone to speak to.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Good morning.- How are you?- Not too bad, mate.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- He'll explain it.- Hello, sir, Mr Wild.- Sheriff one, sheriff two. - Is the boss about?
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- He is not here at the moment. - Can he be contacted?
0:05:44 > 0:05:47We need to get him on the phone, basically.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50They don't seem surprised to see the sheriffs,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53and manage to get the company director on the phone.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Hello, sir.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59It's to do with the High Court writ that's been issued against
0:05:59 > 0:06:04the company for £8,627.07, as it stands at the moment.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Right. Brilliant.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- Lovely.- Sounds positive.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12It seems that it could be... he's just sorting it out.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17Maybe he got the letter before. So, it could be getting sorted.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23Actually, the situation isn't quite as straightforward as Tommy is hoping.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26The director doesn't want to pay,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29and says the sheriffs can't touch the cars here.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34He's saying that all the stock belongs to another limited company,
0:06:34 > 0:06:39and they're supplying us now more documentation for the cars here.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43In other words, none of the assets here belong to the debtor.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46If so, then the sheriffs will more than likely have to leave
0:06:46 > 0:06:50empty-handed, but they're not going to just take his word for it.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53So what we need to do, we'll just make a list now.
0:06:53 > 0:06:54- If we can tick them off.- OK.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58So they start noting the registration numbers of the cars.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00DY09.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02FG56.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04FG56.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06PHONE RINGS Just when they're getting stuck in,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Craig's interrupted by a phone call from his office.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12The director has sent in some paperwork as promised,
0:07:12 > 0:07:17but it only serves to convince the sheriffs they're on the right track.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20We've had an e-mail in straight away from the director, but they only
0:07:20 > 0:07:24list two cars, which I don't think are even here, to be fair.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Later, tempers flare as the sheriffs up the ante.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34LAUGHTER
0:07:34 > 0:07:35Mind that egg.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Your cameraman!
0:07:39 > 0:07:43If this balance isn't paid, then we are instructed to remove these vehicles.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49The sheriffs are often called upon to visit companies
0:07:49 > 0:07:52with cash-flow problems who are struggling to pay their bills.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Jobs like these can be tricky,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58as the sheriffs are tasked with getting payments for their clients,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02but they'd rather not put anyone out of business in the process.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06This morning, enforcement agent Lawrence Grix is visiting
0:08:06 > 0:08:07a company in Kent.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10We're in the Garden of England today, just near Tonbridge.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Going to a company called MetCon Sustainable Building Systems.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18It looks like, basically, they haven't paid one of their suppliers.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21MetCon Sustainable Building Ltd has been taken to court by
0:08:21 > 0:08:24a supplier which sold them some steel.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28They didn't defend the case, and so a default judgment was awarded.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32MetCon now owes £5,934.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37It is a trading address.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41And it's a limited company, so hopefully there'll be some assets there.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44And we'll be able to get this resolved.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48But as he pulls up outside the premises, Lawrence is disappointed.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52First impressions, it doesn't look like they've got a lot here,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54to be honest.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56There's a pick-up that's sign-written.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Lawrence, however, is never one to prejudge a situation...
0:09:05 > 0:09:07and heads inside in search of a manager.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Hello there, sir. Is this MetCon Sustainable Building Systems?
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Lawrence is ushered through to a warehouse.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Who's in charge at the moment?
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Where he explains to the staff the purpose of his visit.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25I'm asking who's in charge here at the moment.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28I've got a High Court writ against this company.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Pretty soon he's handed the director on the phone.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Hello, sir.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36The director, it seems, knows all about the debt.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39He says the company owes money to a number of people and is
0:09:39 > 0:09:42trying to agree a repayment plan.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45You've sent a proposal for a company voluntary arrangement?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48You say you have got an insolvency practitioner involved, yeah?
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Right, so have you sent the proposal to all your other creditors?
0:09:51 > 0:09:53The business has applied for what's known as
0:09:53 > 0:09:55a company voluntary arrangement.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58That's a legally binding agreement which helps a company with
0:09:58 > 0:10:02cash-flow problems gradually pay off its debts while continuing to trade.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Such an arrangement would prevent Lawrence enforcing today.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12But it has to be approved by 75% of the company's creditors first,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14and that hasn't yet happened.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Now that you've told me that, it actually doesn't put you in
0:10:18 > 0:10:20a better position, it puts you in a worse position.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25It means I've got to act today to secure this debt for our claimant.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28The company may owe money to a number of parties,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30but Lawrence is working for only one of them.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33What I'm going to do, because there's so much stuff here,
0:10:33 > 0:10:35and it's difficult to remove, I am now going to call
0:10:35 > 0:10:39a locksmith and I'm going to secure the premises. I'm going to change the locks,
0:10:39 > 0:10:43secure the premises and take control of goods on the premises.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44That's my only option.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Unless, of course, the director is able to pay instead.
0:10:48 > 0:10:55The amount due is £5,934.69.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59If I end up having to secure the premises, basically there's
0:10:59 > 0:11:01going to be another £1,800 plus VAT go onto that.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08OK, then, sir. Thanks, bye-bye.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12He said give him 20 minutes, so I think he's now focused his
0:11:12 > 0:11:16mind a little bit and he's going to try and come up with the money.
0:11:16 > 0:11:1920 minutes later, the director does indeed call back.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22This time asking for bank details.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Right, it's NatWest bank.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27But just as it appears to be heading in the right direction,
0:11:27 > 0:11:28progress stalls.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32No payment is made, and the director keeps asking for more time.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Another hour passes, and Lawrence is running out of patience.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39I got the gentleman here to phone the director again,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41and he said, "Give him another 15 minutes."
0:11:41 > 0:11:44It's been another 15 minutes, he's trying him again now.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47He's also tried to get a shareholder,
0:11:47 > 0:11:49who apparently is the money man,
0:11:49 > 0:11:53but he's not answering his phone at the moment.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54Not been able to get him, no?
0:11:55 > 0:11:57There's not much in the way of assets here,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00it's mainly raw materials, and the preformed bits of building
0:12:00 > 0:12:03that they've already made, which, really, would only be worth scrap value.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08There is a machine for folding the steel, folds it into a
0:12:08 > 0:12:12three-quarter box, which apparently they're about £200,000 new.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Well, obviously this isn't new,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17and unless there's somebody who specifically wants to buy it,
0:12:17 > 0:12:21we'd probably be looking at scrap value for it, to be honest.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23There is the sign-written pick-up,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26but the rest of the vehicles here appear to belong to the staff.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- So that white Transit's yours as well, is it?- Yeah.- OK.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32But then, finally, Lawrence gets another call.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- This time from the company's shareholder.- Hello, sir.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40Lawrence is hoping he will understand the urgency of the situation.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43I've been here since 11:45,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45so I think I've been more than patient so far.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49I have got to execute this writ to its fullest NOW.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52It doesn't matter where you are in the world, sir, if you've got
0:12:52 > 0:12:55the funds to make a payment, it can be done from anywhere.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57He's on holiday in Cornwall at the moment.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00You could actually hear seagulls in the background when I spoke to him.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03So he said he's not in a position to actually deal with it himself.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07I'll give him a few more minutes just to make a couple of phone calls.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10So, yeah, hopefully it's going to get resolved shortly.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17It does. Lawrence soon confirms with his office that a payment has been made.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Brilliant, cheers. Bye.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25I shall issue you a receipt.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26My favourite bit.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30We got paid in full in the end. Good job, really.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32No aggression, everybody here was amicable.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35There you go. Thanks very much.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I'm pleased, certainly for the guys here, that I didn't have to...
0:13:38 > 0:13:42didn't have to lock the doors, which obviously is one of the main
0:13:42 > 0:13:44reasons, I think, it got paid, because they wanted to keep
0:13:44 > 0:13:47the business going and keep the guys employed, so that's it.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49We're out of here.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Cheers, mate. See you later.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54And you.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57Lawrence is on his way,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01and the steel supplier who hadn't been paid has now got its money.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06MetCon Sustainable Building Systems Ltd's application to enter a
0:14:06 > 0:14:10company voluntary arrangement with its creditors has now been successful.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24In the West Midlands, Tommy and Craig are at a used-car dealers
0:14:24 > 0:14:28who owe just over £8,500 to Louise Alderson,
0:14:28 > 0:14:32who bought a car from them which was too dangerous to drive.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34The boss of the business claims all the cars on the forecourt
0:14:34 > 0:14:37today belong to another company.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42But he's not here, and so far has e-mailed through paperwork for just two of them.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Now Craig's office have rung to say he's sent two more.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50So he's supplied those four. But no others yet.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53So those four are obviously exempt.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Sheriffs are entitled to do a diligent search of
0:14:56 > 0:14:57a debtor's premises.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00While they wait for the paperwork to trickle in, Craig has a look
0:15:00 > 0:15:04through the filing cabinet to see if he can speed the process up.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08The first thing he finds is a sales ledger.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12This document here says "purchased from the third-party company",
0:15:12 > 0:15:14and this is for a Subaru that's outside,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16but it's only an 02 plate, and we're after 8,000 quid.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22The document shows that one of the cars outside was bought FROM
0:15:22 > 0:15:26the very company the sheriffs were told owns everything here.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Something isn't stacking up.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Seize this paperwork, then, yeah? They ain't having it back.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Confident they're onto a winner, Tommy takes all the keys and
0:15:34 > 0:15:38documents he can from the cabin and locks them in his van.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Craig calls up the director and gets straight to the point.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47The balance stands at £8,627.07.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49I need an answer from you, and if you want to pay this bill or not.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51That'll be a no, then, yeah? Right.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55It looks like this is about to become a removal job,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57and just as they start making the calls,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00a third man arrives in the office.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Hello, my friend. - I don't want no camera in here.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03You've got to get out.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- No, no, no.- We're here for the, erm...
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I don't want no camera in my face, mate, so get out, please.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10Yeah, yeah...
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Although it's not clear who he is,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15one thing that is certain is he's not pleased to see us.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19He tells the cameraman to leave, but then follows him to the road
0:16:19 > 0:16:23and unleashes an extraordinary tirade of abuse.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- White- BLEEP. - Listen, yeah? You dirty- BLEEP.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27You feel me?
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- I'll smack your head all over the floor, you white- BLEEP. BLEEP!
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Have that for the BBC.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34- BLEEP- dirty- BLEEP.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Feel me? You know what?
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Pleased with himself, he heads back to the hut
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and, shortly afterwards, drives off...
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Out my way, mate!
0:16:44 > 0:16:46..but not without once again making known his feelings
0:16:46 > 0:16:48towards the camera.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49Don't film me, mate.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52And he's not done yet -
0:16:52 > 0:16:54ten minutes later, the same man is back,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58this time with a friend in tow, and armed.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59With eggs.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05All right, all right... Lads...
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- MEN LAUGH - That man got egged!
0:17:07 > 0:17:10The men run off, still hurling abuse.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13Yeah, you're on camera, mate!
0:17:13 > 0:17:15MAN YELLS INDISTINCTLY
0:17:15 > 0:17:17As they leave, one throws a rock.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Come on, then, you- BLEEP!
0:17:19 > 0:17:23What connection, if any, they have to the dealership is unclear,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27and the salesman left behind takes a very different approach.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Are you OK?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Tommy, meanwhile, is unfazed.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34We've just been attacked with eggs,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37and they're trying to film it and stuff, so just...
0:17:37 > 0:17:39They look like young lads being idiots,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42but we're going to get the police here now, cos assault's happened.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Are you all right? It's just that they've ran off.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- They jumped our cameraman, basically...- OK.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49..smashed eggs on him, started throwing rocks at him.
0:17:49 > 0:17:50- A rock just skimmed his head.- OK.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- And we got you... Obviously, we called you guys.- All right.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58After speaking to our cameraman, the police head into the cabin.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Craig, meanwhile, has made some progress -
0:18:03 > 0:18:06a friend of the director arrived during the disturbance on the road.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10He's now leaving, but it seems he wants to get the debt paid.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12As we speak now, the money's on its way.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14We'll be about another half an hour,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16so we're just getting the receipt ready,
0:18:16 > 0:18:18so, as soon as it turns up, we can count it and be on our way.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25Satisfied the situation has calmed down, the police leave,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29and soon word comes through that the money is ready for collection.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Oh, look, he's got an envelope.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Have we got it?
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- Yeah?- There we go. Have you got the money?
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- No money?- No. - No money at all?- No, man.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Well, where did you go? - TOMMY LAUGHS
0:18:43 > 0:18:45The man has returned empty-handed.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49That's wasting our time, now - it's as simple as that.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51He said he was going to get the money.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Quite what has caused the apparent change of heart isn't clear,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56but Craig no longer cares,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59and once again gets the director on the phone.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Your man's come back without the money,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05so my office has just told us to start removing the vehicles now.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07There's six vehicles to have away.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10No problem, then, sir. Thanks a lot. Bye-bye.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11Done now?
0:19:11 > 0:19:14"Do so as you wish," he said, so that's fine by me.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18All right, then, Tommy-boy, let's get these cars done now, shall we?
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Later, the job goes right up to the wire,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26as the company makes more promises of payment.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Here we go. He's back.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Is it...? Have you got the cash now, then?
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Let's have a look at it.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Cases the sheriffs take on come in all shapes and sizes.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Debts start at £600, but can reach well into the millions,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51and the debtors are anything from one man and his dog
0:19:51 > 0:19:53to huge corporations.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58For enforcement agent Ken Warby, today's first job is the latter.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Well, this morning, we are off to a company called Procter & Gamble -
0:20:02 > 0:20:06huge company, soaps and toothpastes and suchlike,
0:20:06 > 0:20:10distributing to many of the big superstores.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14To be specific, Ken's writ is for a division of the corporation
0:20:14 > 0:20:17called Procter & Gamble Product Supply UK Limited,
0:20:17 > 0:20:21which owes a man £3,108 in legal costs...
0:20:27 > 0:20:30..but Ken's not fazed by the company's stature.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32I prefer the bigger companies, actually.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Yeah. They look after you. Usually got...
0:20:34 > 0:20:36They usually offer you a cup of tea.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39But as Ken approaches his destination,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42it becomes clear it's not what he was expecting.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44"P&G London".
0:20:44 > 0:20:46I think we're going in the right direction.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49His SatNav has led him to a sprawling industrial site.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Look at the size of these buildings! There's tonnes of them.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54They all seem to be Procter & Gamble,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57and Ken's got no idea where he's going.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59There's no signs up or anything.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Where would the office be?
0:21:03 > 0:21:08Eventually, he's directed to a car park outside a chemical plant.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10It looks like Cape Canaveral.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12What kind of assets he could possibly remove from
0:21:12 > 0:21:15a place like this isn't clear.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20Still, he tracks down reception and heads in,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22but before he can utter a word...
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Erm... No, sir. Can you turn that off?
0:21:26 > 0:21:28..our cameraman's asked to leave.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Inside, Ken begins the task of retrieving the claimant's money.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37He knows all too well that turning up unannounced at the doors
0:21:37 > 0:21:40of huge companies often causes confusion.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Half the battle is usually finding someone on site who knows
0:21:43 > 0:21:48about the debt or has the authorisation to make a payment.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51This time, Ken gets lucky, and the reception staff manage to
0:21:51 > 0:21:54track someone down who knows about the case -
0:21:54 > 0:21:56even better, they agree to pay it.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59So far, so good -
0:21:59 > 0:22:01only, it turns out not to be that simple.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06Two hours after walking in, Ken comes back out empty-handed.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09They've tried to make the payment by American Express.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Unfortunately, we don't take American Express,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14and they are the only cards that they've got on the premises.
0:22:14 > 0:22:21So we've had to wait around for the office to contact their head office,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25that isn't here, to make a bank transfer or an alternative card.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Hopefully they'll do it.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Ken's hardly worried about the company's ability to pay.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Although the name on his writ is for one of its UK subsidiaries,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Procter & Gamble is an American multinational giant,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42with a turnover running into many billions of pounds,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46but, after being here two hours, Ken would rather not have to wait
0:22:46 > 0:22:49much longer for payment, and he doesn't have to.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53The head office have been able to access another card,
0:22:53 > 0:22:57not an Amex card, and the payment's gone through.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00It all went smoothly, really. I didn't have to raise my voice.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02They knew from the off that they owed the money.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06And that means Ken never had to seriously consider removing
0:23:06 > 0:23:09assets from the chemical plant, although he did threaten it.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13I told them my intentions were to list items and have them removed.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15It's not going to happen for a small debt
0:23:15 > 0:23:17for a company of this size.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20If it was, it would end up a right soap story. Excuse the pun.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29Back in the West Midlands, we've been pelted with eggs...
0:23:29 > 0:23:31MEN LAUGH
0:23:31 > 0:23:33..and rocks...
0:23:35 > 0:23:38..by two young men whose connection to the garage is unclear.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Don't film me, mate!
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Meanwhile, the boss finally agreed to pay, before his courier
0:23:43 > 0:23:46turned up without the cash.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- No money.- No.- No money at all?
0:23:50 > 0:23:51Enough is enough.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54And the sheriffs have now ordered low loaders to come and remove
0:23:54 > 0:23:57a total of six cars from the yard.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03Tommy parks the van in the entrance to prevent anyone from trying to
0:24:03 > 0:24:05shut the gates.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09As he does so, he spots a car waiting in the street outside.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- I think them lads are back here. - In that car, are they?
0:24:12 > 0:24:14I think that's them, yeah.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18It's not clear who's in the car or what, if anything, they plan to do.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24Either way, it is clear the tension of this job is getting to everyone.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29No money has arrived and it's cold. Freezing.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32I need to go home, I need to lie down.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36But after another chat with his boss, the man says they're
0:24:36 > 0:24:40struggling to raise the money and comes forward with an offer.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42- OK.- Yes, my friend?
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Is there no possibility at all you can take half the money now
0:24:46 > 0:24:49and take the other half on a bank transfer or something?
0:24:49 > 0:24:52I can't help you, my friend.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56After four tense hours here, the car outside, at least, is gone
0:24:56 > 0:24:58without any further mischief.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01The prospect of vehicles being imminently removed is definitely
0:25:01 > 0:25:06- making the company's attempts to raise the cash more urgent.- Hello?
0:25:06 > 0:25:09The problem is, now that six low loaders are on the way,
0:25:09 > 0:25:10they'll have to pay for those too.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- 250 plus the VAT times six.- Six...
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- 1,800 quid, isn't it?- Yeah. Just coming up 1,800 quid.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Craig is no longer interested in promises, only payment.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23As far as he's concerned, it's just a case of waiting to see
0:25:23 > 0:25:27which turns up first, the removal trucks or the money.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Here we go, he's back.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37It's the staff member who was sent for the money the last time
0:25:37 > 0:25:39but came back empty-handed.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41What's going to happen now?
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Is it... Have you got the cash there now? How much have you got?
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- Got £8,927.- Let's have a look at it.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54He says he's come back with £300 more than the sheriffs asked for at
0:25:54 > 0:25:56the beginning of the day.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59But that's now not enough, because of the extra fees.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Craig calls his office.
0:26:02 > 0:26:08Lawrence, there's a whole bundle of cash here now, which is 8,900 quid.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12How much do we need to call this all to a halt?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15According to Lawrence, so far only one removal truck has
0:26:15 > 0:26:19actually set off, so they'll settle for just one cancellation fee.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Yeah, cheers, mate. Ta-ra, goodbye.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Which means, provided the cash adds up, this job might finally be over.
0:26:27 > 0:26:2944 20s...
0:26:29 > 0:26:335, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13...
0:26:33 > 0:26:35All looking good so far.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42The gentleman has paid, at the moment, £8,900.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45And with the contents of the salesman's pocket...
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- I've got 70 as well. - Thank you, my friend.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52..they've come up with enough to satisfy the writ and the sheriffs.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56The tow trucks are called off, Craig finishes writing out the receipt
0:26:56 > 0:27:02he started two hours ago and Tommy gives back their keys and paperwork.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04They've earned these back now.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Take care of yourself. Yeah, sorry about any misunderstanding.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- No, it's fine.- Sorry about the... I do apologise
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- and have a safe journey home.- Yeah, and you, you take care of yourself, mate.- OK.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16It's taken all day, but with the job finally in the bag,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18the sheriffs are all smiles.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21It ended up being exactly what we wanted in the end.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23THEY LAUGH
0:27:23 > 0:27:27The debtor company later appealed the judgment against them
0:27:27 > 0:27:29but a judge rejected their case
0:27:29 > 0:27:32and Louise was finally given back her money.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35If the sheriffs were here now, I'd give them all a big hug and a
0:27:35 > 0:27:38kiss because they've done an amazing job.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41I never thought anyone would be able to get the money,
0:27:41 > 0:27:42it's just fantastic news.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44And it didn't end there.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Trading Standards subsequently prosecuted the business for
0:27:47 > 0:27:51misdescribing the Fiesta in their advert and for selling Louise
0:27:51 > 0:27:54a dangerous and unroadworthy vehicle.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58They were fined a total of £7,500.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02The best outcome was that the car had a destruction order on it
0:28:02 > 0:28:05and therefore that car will never get back on the road.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08For Louise, it's the end of a long ordeal.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10I'm absolutely relieved, and now it's over, yes,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13maybe I can start to relax and look forward to
0:28:13 > 0:28:17one day buying a new car when I feel more confident about doing so.