0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Meet The Sheriffs...- My name is Mr Grix, my colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07It's to do with a High Court order...
0:00:07 > 0:00:10They work for the High Court, and if it says you're owed money,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12it's their job to go and get it.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16I'm here for £6,072.18.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18They can demand payment on the spot...
0:00:18 > 0:00:20I'm here for the full balance.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21How are you going to pay it?
0:00:21 > 0:00:23..or remove assets, instead.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26The car will be going unless you can pay it.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29You'll have a week to pay in full, before it gets sold at auction.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Obstructing their work can be a criminal offence.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34I wouldn't do that if I were you.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36The door needs to stay open.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Every year in England and Wales,
0:00:40 > 0:00:44unpaid debts totalling more than £80 million are recovered by
0:00:44 > 0:00:45the sheriffs.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Coming up... Kate Killick is owed three months rent after her student
0:00:54 > 0:00:57lodger suddenly left without warning.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00He rang me one day to say he'd been kicked off the course,
0:01:00 > 0:01:01and basically said "tough",
0:01:01 > 0:01:05and had no sense that he was ever going to pay the money back.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08But when Tommy and Craig confront the man,
0:01:08 > 0:01:10he's reluctant to face the facts.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16You need to address this, Mr Akbar, otherwise it will be going.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21Lawrence is on the trail of £30,000 owed by a financial adviser.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Hello there, sir, looking for Joseph Miller, would that be yourself?
0:01:25 > 0:01:28He might not have the cash, but he does have a car.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Silver Citroen, have a look round the corner,
0:01:31 > 0:01:32see if he drives off in it.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41In the Midlands, enforcement agents Tommy Coyle and Craig Wild are up
0:01:41 > 0:01:45early. They're in pursuit of a debtor who Craig is convinced has
0:01:45 > 0:01:49been avoiding him, and they're about to knock on his door.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52On this very damp morning, we're over to Birmingham.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56We're off to go and see a Mr Ali Akbar,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59who has had several visits from ourselves and notifications have
0:01:59 > 0:02:01been left on every single time.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03He's failed to respond to it.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Mr Akbar has been taken to court for unpaid rent.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10The claimant is Kate Killick,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14a beauty therapist and a single mum with two children.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18She first met Mr Akbar when she was hoping to make some extra cash by
0:02:18 > 0:02:21renting out a spare room in the family home.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24The extra income is really important,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26because it's whether or not you have a really nice Christmas,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30you haven't got to worry about presents for the children.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Kate lives in Shoreham in Sussex,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36and to find a lodger, she contacted the local airport.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40They have a flying school and are often looking for host families
0:02:40 > 0:02:42to accommodate trainee pilots.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46The college put her in touch with Mr Akbar, and she agreed to take him in.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51Initially he was paying £125 a week, with breakfast,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54but he never got up for breakfast, so I just dropped it to 100,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56it seemed fairer.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00And in many ways Mr Akbar was the ideal lodger.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02He was hardly ever here.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05So I never really saw him, it was perfect, really,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07from that point of view.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10What wasn't so perfect was that after several months,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13he began to fall behind with his rent.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15But at first, Kate wasn't worried.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17When I questioned him,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20he said his mum was out the country and he'd have to wait till she got
0:03:20 > 0:03:22back in the country and he'd get the rent.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25But after Kate hadn't received her rent for three months,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Mr Akbar suddenly pulled the plug on their arrangement.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31He rang me one day to say he'd gone into college
0:03:31 > 0:03:33and he'd been kicked off the course.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36So, he'd literally packed his stuff up and gone,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40and basically said "Tough", I wouldn't be able to get the rent
0:03:40 > 0:03:42money, the arrears.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45I did say I would go through the small claims court and he just
0:03:45 > 0:03:48basically said, "Good luck with that".
0:03:48 > 0:03:52For Kate, it was an upsetting end to the relationship.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54I am very angry with Ali,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58because you welcome someone into your home and treat them almost like
0:03:58 > 0:03:59a member of the family,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03give them a lot of trust and believe in their honesty,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05and they let you down.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09And it's a lot of money to lose, £1,500.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12So, just as she'd promised to do,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Kate pursued Mr Akbar through the courts -
0:04:14 > 0:04:17a process she found straightforward.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19And she wasn't surprised at the outcome.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25There was a court date set to explain his side and he didn't turn up.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28A default judgment was awarded in her favour,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31but Kate suspected that wouldn't be the end of it.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Just because someone's told they've got to pay you the money,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36they're not going to do it.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40So I went online to see what my options were,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42and that's when I found out about the sheriffs.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45It's now down to the sheriffs to get back her lost
0:04:45 > 0:04:47rent, plus costs and fees.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49100%, the sheriffs are my last hope,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52because I know he's not going to pay the money.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54He just seems to have buried his head in the sand,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56he doesn't think he owes me the money.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59He doesn't think there's a legal way that I can get the money,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01so he's going to have a surprise.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12In Birmingham, enforcement agents Tommy and Craig are arriving at
0:05:12 > 0:05:17Mr Akbar's home. They've been here many times before without any joy,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20and are now hoping all the legwork they've put in
0:05:20 > 0:05:22is finally about to pay off.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26We've noted a vehicle a couple of times that has been there,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29it's a sporty Vauxhall.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32The DVLA check has come back on that vehicle,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34the registered keeper is down to him.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38So today's job is to go there, knock the door again, if the car's there,
0:05:38 > 0:05:43we'll clamp it straightaway, and we'll try and raise him to the door.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46And if he wants to pay it, then that's fine, we'll deal with that,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48and if not, unfortunately his car's got to go.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52The sheriffs approach Mr Akbar's house with anticipation...
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Go right at the end, it'll be on the left-hand side.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58..their eyes peeled for the prize asset.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- There it is, that white car there. - That's his car?- That's his car.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03I'll park behind it, then.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05That's a really good look.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08There's the white car, there's the VXR.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Tommy blocks the car in
0:06:10 > 0:06:12and they get straight to work.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- Right, that's on.- You done?- Done.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39This is what I get all the time here, just no answer.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42They're in, but they just don't answer the door.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45And after a few more minutes of trying with no response,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Craig sets the wheels in motion.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51I'm just going to phone the tow truck now.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55Hello, it's Craig. Yes, my friend, not too bad.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58When we clamp a vehicle and immobilise it, we have to wait
0:06:58 > 0:07:01two hours, giving them a chance, really, to resolve it,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03even though we've been knocking at the door.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Yeah, we want you here about quarter past ten.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08All right, my friend, cheers, thanks a lot, bye-bye.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Contractors are all booked now,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13so the cost of that will go on top of their bill.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16In our experience, once the tow truck turns up with its amber lights
0:07:16 > 0:07:20flashing and the engine revving, that usually brings them to the door.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Later, it's a reality check for Mr Akbar,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25as Tommy and Craig lay down the law.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28She's gone to court because...
0:07:28 > 0:07:30I'm not mad, blud. No, I'm not mad, I'm not mad.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35I'm not a bailiff, no, I'm a High Court enforcement agent.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Success for the sheriffs is often down to the value of goods they can
0:07:43 > 0:07:45find that are owned by the debtor.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49Even with a court order in hand, demanding large sums without
0:07:49 > 0:07:52expensive assets to use as leverage can be very difficult.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00This afternoon, Lawrence Grix is alone in South London.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03He might not have sidekick Kev with him, but he does have
0:08:03 > 0:08:06a High Court writ for a substantial amount of money.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09I'm just off to Thornton Heath at the moment,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12to a gentleman called Joseph Miller
0:08:12 > 0:08:17who's got an estate agents, financial services type office.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21He owes just over £30,000.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26The claimant said she gave her savings to Mr Miller to put in an
0:08:26 > 0:08:28investment scheme,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32but later when she wanted to withdraw the money, he wouldn't give it back.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36She took him to court and won and now Lawrence is on his way to
0:08:36 > 0:08:39collect £30,250.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46It's a business address,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49so we're coming during the working day...
0:08:49 > 0:08:54Unfortunately, being an estate agents-cum-investment place,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58all they're likely to have is a couple of desks and a couple of computers.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Hopefully we'll find Mr Miller there and we'll be able to put some kind
0:09:01 > 0:09:04of squeeze on him, find some assets to give us some leverage.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07If he's got a car and it's been re-financed,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10then that might be up for grabs.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14Mr Miller's high street office is certainly unlikely to contain
0:09:14 > 0:09:18£30,000 worth of assets. Lawrence has got his work cut out.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22He finds the shop and parks nearby.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25The door is locked, but someone is inside.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Hello, sir. I'm looking for Joseph Miller, would that be yourself?
0:09:35 > 0:09:39It is indeed Mr Miller, but that's as far as our camera gets.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Can I show you some ID, sir?
0:09:42 > 0:09:46Inside, Lawrence gets to work and explains to Mr Miller that he's here
0:09:46 > 0:09:48for his customer's money.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50All of it.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54Mr Miller's not keen to pay up and just as Lawrence expected,
0:09:54 > 0:09:56the goods in the office aren't worth very much.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00However, behind the office,
0:10:00 > 0:10:05Lawrence has spotted a car with Mr Miller's branding on it.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Mr Miller doesn't deny it belongs to him, but insists it's a tool of the
0:10:08 > 0:10:12trade, meaning it's essential for him to carry on his business
0:10:12 > 0:10:15and Lawrence isn't legally allowed to remove it.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20But Lawrence makes a phone call and discovers that the car doesn't have
0:10:20 > 0:10:24business insurance. Satisfied it can't therefore be for business use,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26he threatens to remove it.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Just as he's booking a tow truck, Mr Miller heads to the car.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Silver Citroen, have a look round the corner, see if he drives off in it.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41If he does, there's not a lot Lawrence can do to stop him,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43but luckily, his fears are unfounded.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Mr Miller has only gone to retrieve his briefcase from the boot
0:10:47 > 0:10:49before returning inside.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52After an hour in the shop, Lawrence is done.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58He's paid me £1,000 in cash and I've signed him up for £1,000 a month.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Lawrence would prefer to have the debt paid in full, but under the
0:11:02 > 0:11:06circumstances, he's satisfied a payment plan is a good result for the woman
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- who is owed the money.- It's a fairly high arrangement, but it's still,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12when you compare it to a £30,000 debt,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15it'll still take a few years to pay it off with interest going on,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18but really that's about the best I can do when you've got no assets to
0:11:18 > 0:11:22use as leverage. Bit of a discussion over whether his car was a tool of
0:11:22 > 0:11:27the trade. But it wasn't insured for business use, so it wouldn't be
0:11:27 > 0:11:29classed as a tool of the trade.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32But that was only probably a few hundred pounds' worth.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36It was an old Citroen, and other than that there was a few old
0:11:36 > 0:11:39computers and desks and it's just not worth any money.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46Without goods to remove, the bargaining powers of the sheriffs is limited.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Lawrence has managed to get at least some money and an agreement to make
0:11:49 > 0:11:51regular repayments.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55Since filming Mr Miller has stuck to the arrangement so far and he's
0:11:55 > 0:11:59gradually paying back the £30,000 he owes.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Mr Miller told us that his client's money had been invested in property.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10He says a slow housing market had delayed the return of funds and the
0:12:10 > 0:12:13court action resulted because she hadn't been prepared to wait for a
0:12:13 > 0:12:15property sale to materialise.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29In Birmingham, Tommy and Craig are waiting outside the home of
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Ali Akbar, who owes a debt of £3,290.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38They've clamped his car and a tow truck's on the way, but so far,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41in keeping with Craig's previous visits,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Mr Akbar himself has yet to come to the door.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47This does happen sometimes,
0:12:47 > 0:12:51they just completely go to ground inside and they won't come out until
0:12:51 > 0:12:55the actual transport arrives to take the vehicle and then someone may
0:12:55 > 0:12:59come to the door saying, "We didn't know nothing about it and want to
0:12:59 > 0:13:02"resolve this", and it's too late, normally.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05They have to find a large sum of money very quickly or it'll be going
0:13:05 > 0:13:08on the back of a truck and away.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12But no sooner has Tommy spoken than a young man walks out of the house.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- How's it going?- Hello, sir.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Mr Akbar, is it?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Mr Wild from the sheriff's office.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23They've sent us out to obviously execute this court order.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Because you owe the money, there's a High Court order.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32The court thinks you do.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36You've had paperwork hand-delivered by the agent here.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38No problem at all.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Craig obliges and shows Mr Akbar his writ.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44And that's the commandment of the courts to endorse and obviously take
0:13:44 > 0:13:46control of your assets today.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Faced with the documents, Mr Akbar finally has a moment of realisation.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Penny's dropped now, has it?
0:13:59 > 0:14:03It's already been to court, sir. No, it's already been to court.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Exactly, she's gone to court because...
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I'm not mad, blud. I'm not mad.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I'm not a bailiff, no, I'm a High Court enforcement agent.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17I just explained it to you, I'm a High Court enforcement agent,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20I've been here at least three times, left letters for you,
0:14:20 > 0:14:22you've failed to respond to that.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Despite seeing the court order,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29it seems Mr Akbar is unwilling to recognise the sheriff's authority.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Because the law says and the court says
0:14:33 > 0:14:36we've got to come here to see you.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39And if you don't deal with it, we've got to deal with it for you.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43We don't want to do that. We'd much rather get paid and be on our way.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49The car will be going unless you can pay it.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55That's fine. But the law says,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58you've got the seven days to seek your own legal advice,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01try and raise the money and if you're successful,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03then you're entitled to your goods back.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Mr Akbar clearly doesn't want to pay, but it looks like the sheriff's
0:15:07 > 0:15:11ultimatum of removing the car is finally sinking in.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14After briefly heading inside to mull it over,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17he returns and he's changed his tune.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It has to be the full balance, the reason for that is...
0:15:24 > 0:15:26You could have before.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29It's 8.40 now, you've got until 10.15, and hour and a half.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34If you want to stop the vehicle going.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- No problem. - No problem at all, Mr Akbar.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45The defendant has indicated he might get some money, but the time is
0:15:45 > 0:15:48ticking and we told him the deadline to get that money to us.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52We've also told him that he has incurred the extra cost
0:15:52 > 0:15:55of the contractor, because we've commenced them on their way.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59So, unfortunately, it's been a very expensive day for Mr Akbar.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01As they wait it out in the van,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Mr Akbar again comes to speak to them and he's got a fresh offer.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15We can't, it's not a case of us
0:16:15 > 0:16:18trying to not be helpful, we do as much as we can,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22we leave the vehicle clamped for two hours.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24This is clamped.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25It's clamped.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28There's a clamp on the front.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Once again, it's taking a while for reality to sink in.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35But with his offer of payment gradually increasing, Tommy is
0:16:35 > 0:16:37quietly confident.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Yeah, a bit more positive that time,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43could be payment in full coming here, I've got a feeling,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45I can feel it in the air, coming down the pipes.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48But later on, there's another problem
0:16:48 > 0:16:51as the car suddenly appears to have a new owner.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57The car's yours now, is it? When did you get it?
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Using the county courts to try to recover money you're owed
0:17:05 > 0:17:07isn't difficult.
0:17:07 > 0:17:111.5 million money claims are made every year in England and Wales,
0:17:11 > 0:17:16involving anything from faulty goods or poor workmanship to unpaid invoices.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Claims can be filed by post or online for a small fee.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Both parties in the case will be asked to submit evidence,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27and you may have to attend a court hearing.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28If you're successful,
0:17:28 > 0:17:33a County Court Judgment, or CCJ, will be issued against the debtor.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37And if they still don't pay, that's when you call the sheriffs.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43In Birmingham, Tommy and Craig are still trying to recover debt owed by
0:17:43 > 0:17:46a Mr Ali Akbar.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49He has finally realised that with a tow truck on the way,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52he needs to come up with more than three grand, sharpish,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55or else his car will be going.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58So far, he's only managed to make offers of part payment,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00which have been rejected.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03But now, a family member has got involved and is about to throw the
0:18:03 > 0:18:05sheriffs a curveball.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09The car's yours now, is it?
0:18:09 > 0:18:11When, when did you get it?
0:18:11 > 0:18:13You bought it yesterday, did you?
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Oh, right, so he sold it to you yesterday?
0:18:16 > 0:18:17- How much?- How much for, my love?
0:18:17 > 0:18:20It is. Oh, it is. We need to see evidence.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Because we need to investigate it, you see, we need...
0:18:23 > 0:18:26We can't just, unfortunately, take your word for it.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Moments later, Mr Akbar emerges with a change of registered keeper form.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Right, OK. It's still wet, though, this.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Craig's having none of it.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41It won't prevent us from removing the vehicle, unfortunately, Ali.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45Yeah, unfortunately...
0:18:45 > 0:18:48We can speak to her, but the car's still going.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50I don't think that's valid, unfortunately.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53But the Akbars aren't giving up just yet.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55The plot thickens when Craig
0:18:55 > 0:18:58overhears a conversation in the doorway.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01If you want to transfer the money into his account, that's fine.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05I said, if you want to transfer the money into his...
0:19:05 > 0:19:06Well, I can.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Well, it is my business.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15But if they're thinking of making a bank transfer to complete the sale
0:19:15 > 0:19:18now, it would be too late.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20If there's a money transfer just happening just now,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23that's going to be irrelevant because we've already took control
0:19:23 > 0:19:26of the vehicle, prior to it being sold.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Meanwhile, Mr Akbar has reappeared on the driveway,
0:19:29 > 0:19:33and to Tommy's surprise, gets behind the wheel of another car.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Strange, isn't it?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Yeah, unusual, he seems to be going.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Perhaps he's gone to get some money.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45Perhaps not. But the tow truck's now well on its way, so Tommy and Craig
0:19:45 > 0:19:48take the opportunity to do a damage report on his car.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- It's in all right nick, isn't it? - It's not too bad.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56This wing is, there's something...
0:19:56 > 0:20:00It's got, like, it's been pranged, that has.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Driver's side rear wing.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Time is running out for Mr Akbar,
0:20:05 > 0:20:09who soon returns, but has he come bearing cash?
0:20:09 > 0:20:12You all right? Do we know what we're doing?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Are we paying it today or not?
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Because they're literally ten minutes away.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Once it turns up, they're just going to hook it up.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29All right.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34Mr Akbar seems to have given up any hope of hanging onto his car today.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38And as the tow truck arrives to take it away, hands over his keys.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Are you going to get it back? Are you...
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- In seven days? No?- Do you want to take your stuff out first?
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Have you got any personal stuff in there, yeah?
0:20:46 > 0:20:47Yeah, get your stuff out, mate.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Tommy removes the clamp.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Job's a good'un.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57And the car's driven onto the back of the truck.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59So, yeah, at least he's given the keys up.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Makes it a lot easier, both for himself and for us.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06If it does go to auction, then at least they've got the key to it,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08which increases its value.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Yeah, it's seven days and then they
0:21:14 > 0:21:16have to put it into a public auction.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20You can.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Suddenly, it seems Mr Akbar wants to buy his car back at auction,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27though it'd make a lot more sense to pay now,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29and just as the truck prepares to drive off,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32that's exactly what he starts talking about.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39If you've got the full balance now... You need it this second.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44It's gone.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Mr Akbar has missed his chance.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52The sheriffs leave their paperwork.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- There you go, my friend.- All right?
0:21:54 > 0:21:55Take it easy. Take care of yourself, yeah?
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Ta-ra.- See you later, mate. - And their work is done.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02He tried his best to negotiate his way out of us not taking the vehicle
0:22:02 > 0:22:04today by trying to transfer ownership.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Even by his own admission, he said, "You've got to try it".
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- But, unfortunately, it didn't work this time. - Yeah, it's just a classic case of,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14don't bury your head in the sand because it won't go away.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17The sheriffs are on their way.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Later the same day, Mr Akbar paid the balance in full
0:22:20 > 0:22:23and his car was subsequently returned.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28Back in Shoreham, Kate Killick has finally got the money she was owed.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Really, really good news. The sheriffs went round.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35They finally caught up with Ali, and I was able to get my money back,
0:22:35 > 0:22:40and it's just really, really nice to know that the law is there to help
0:22:40 > 0:22:43people out. I couldn't be happier. Thank you.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47And Kate has some advice for anyone else with an unpaid debt.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Definitely, definitely go through the Small Claims Court because
0:22:51 > 0:22:55that's why they are there, to help you. You know, it was quite a long process.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58It's been over a year, but we got there in the end.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Today in the West Midlands, Tommy Coyle and Craig Wild's
0:23:11 > 0:23:14skills are about to be tested.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17So we're in the suburbs of Birmingham again today.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21We're off to go and see a Mr Kev Dooley.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Mr Dooley was taken to court by another man several months ago.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29He didn't defend the case and a judgment was issued against him by default.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33He now owes £7,381.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37The sheriffs have been trying
0:23:37 > 0:23:38to contact Mr Dooley,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40but with no success.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42We've been there numerous times before,
0:23:42 > 0:23:46had no response at all to our letters,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48however there's a number of vehicles...
0:23:49 > 0:23:50..in our guy's name,
0:23:50 > 0:23:54so the intention is today to go and remove them,
0:23:54 > 0:23:58if he's not going to pay the bill or play ball with us.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01They reach Mr Dooley's home address,
0:24:01 > 0:24:06and sure enough two of the vehicles they were hoping to find are there.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Yeah, so that van, which has got four grand's worth of value...
0:24:10 > 0:24:12There's a Volkswagen van...
0:24:12 > 0:24:14That's free of finance.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16So we need to get a clamp on that.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18And also the CA61 on the drive, yeah?
0:24:18 > 0:24:20..and a Vauxhall hatchback.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22That's 3,200 quid, that car.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25The sheriffs get straight to work.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Tommy clamps the van, while Craig tries the door.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33As usual, there's no answer.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36There's got to be someone here, hasn't there?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38There's all these cars here.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42The main rubbish bin's completely empty.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44The post is still in the door.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46I've got a phone number.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- Try ringing him.- He does, but it goes straight to answerphone.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Hello, this is a message for Mr Kev Dooley.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58I need you to contact me as soon as possible, Mr Dooley. Thank you.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Let's order the truck.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- It's all we can do. - It's all we can do, isn't it?
0:25:05 > 0:25:09With Mr Dooley owing upwards of £7,000,
0:25:09 > 0:25:12both vehicles will need to be removed to cover the debt.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15But without keys for the car on the drive,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18and another car blocking access for the tow truck,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20it's not clear if it's going to be possible.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22That's going to be a bit of a nightmare,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- getting through there, isn't it? On a flatbed.- More than a nightmare.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Tommy's sceptical, but ever the optimist,
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Craig presses ahead and books in the removal of both vehicles.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35But just as the sheriffs are gearing up for the removal,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38a call comes through from the debtor's mother.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42My name's Craig, Craig Wild, I'm an enforcement agent.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44She says that she owns the van,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46so doesn't think the sheriffs can remove it,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50but she's not able to provide proof of her purchase right now.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54She's saying that she's purchased the vehicle for him,
0:25:54 > 0:25:55to put into his business.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58But as we've said, in the absence of proof,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01at this late stage it won't prevent the removal from taking place.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Before long, the first removal truck arrives
0:26:05 > 0:26:08and the logistical challenge begins.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Even the van, which was supposed to be the easier of the two,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13turns out to be harder than expected,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16thanks to its long wheelbase.
0:26:16 > 0:26:17I don't think it'll go on.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Backwards, it doesn't fit, so they try a new strategy.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24If he takes it from the front,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26it will be shorter at the front and you'll be able to get it on,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28and have the back end sticking off the back.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31And this time, they have more success.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37The car, on the other hand, is a different story altogether.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39The issue is the wheel.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Obviously with a steering lock on like that, to drag it,
0:26:43 > 0:26:44it's going to be a nightmare.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48We've conquered worse.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Tommy's obviously caught Craig's optimism.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55Drag it from there, I think.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58And a plan does indeed come together.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04The Vauxhall is unceremoniously heaved up onto the truck.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09It's not pretty, but it works.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12And the car is also soon on its way.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- That's good.- Cheers, thanks. Take care, mate.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Both vehicles will be held for seven days.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24If Mr Dooley doesn't come up with the money,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26and provided the vehicles do belong to him,
0:27:26 > 0:27:28then they'll be sold
0:27:28 > 0:27:32and the claimant will finally receive the money they're owed.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Yeah, a bit of a result.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36We've only been here just over the two hours.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41We made some phone calls and tried to make contact at the address, nothing.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43So it resulted in two vehicles going.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Following filming, Mr Dooley didn't pay any money towards his debt
0:27:48 > 0:27:52and his Vauxhall has been sold at auction.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Meanwhile, the ownership of the van is still in dispute
0:27:55 > 0:27:58and the matter is with the courts.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Mr Dooley told us that he believes he doesn't owe any money
0:28:01 > 0:28:04and that the case against him was unfounded.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07He says he didn't respond to the court paperwork because
0:28:07 > 0:28:09his name was spelt incorrectly,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11so he didn't believe the letters were for him.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14He says he hasn't appealed the judgment
0:28:14 > 0:28:15because of the costs involved.