0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Meet the sheriffs. - My name's Mr Grix, my colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:05 > 0:00:06It's to do with a High Court order...
0:00:06 > 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 > 0:00:24..or remove assets instead.
0:00:24 > 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 > 0:00:33Obstructing their work can be a criminal offence.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34I wouldn't do that if I were you.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36The door needs to stay open.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Every year in England and Wales,
0:00:39 > 0:00:42unpaid debts totalling more than £80 million
0:00:42 > 0:00:45are recovered by the sheriffs.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Coming up...
0:00:51 > 0:00:53The sheriffs take on a group of squatters
0:00:53 > 0:00:55in the heart of central London.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- Devil worship! - THEY ALL SHOUT
0:00:58 > 0:00:59Devil worship!
0:00:59 > 0:01:03In 30 minutes' time, you are going to be leaving this property.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Lawrence and Kev chase an insurance payout
0:01:07 > 0:01:09for a family involved in a car crash.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Just as I was approaching a roundabout,
0:01:11 > 0:01:15the guy came out from the left and there was no way I could get out the way.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20And Tommy and Craig track down a vet who owes money to a former employee.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- Here we go.- Mrs Mulvey? She's still living here, isn't she?
0:01:27 > 0:01:30While most of their workload involves unpaid debts,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33High Court enforcement agents can also act
0:01:33 > 0:01:36in cases of unlawful occupation of land or property,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38commonly known as squatting.
0:01:38 > 0:01:39..whatever you want...
0:01:39 > 0:01:41And early this morning the sheriffs
0:01:41 > 0:01:44are gathering in a car park in Camden, in central London,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47to enforce one of these jobs.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50We've got a double gate roughly there, yeah?
0:01:50 > 0:01:54A single gate there, the double gate is where we're going to go in.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Under the guidance of team leader Mark King,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59they're here to evict a group of squatters
0:01:59 > 0:02:01who've set up camp on a nearby plot of land.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03Not sure what it was originally -
0:02:03 > 0:02:05maybe a garden centre or something like that.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10I believe the people were allowed in to stay there first off, but,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13for whatever reason, the client now wants the land back.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17The squatters are thought to have been there for at least two years.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20The owner of the land has been unable to persuade them to leave
0:02:20 > 0:02:23peacefully, and so now has obtained a writ of possession,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27authorising the sheriffs to get the site back for him.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31We're looking at about 30, possibly 40 people in there.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Not sure until we get there, to be honest.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35I had a look past this morning,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37the gate isn't even locked.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39It could be that they've all gone.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41We'll see when we get round there.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46The squat's a short drive away, and it has a number of entrances,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48so the sheriffs are splitting up.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Andrew, give me an update, mate. Are you by gate three?
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Right, everybody ready, yeah?
0:02:56 > 0:02:58And once they're all in position...
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- Right, we all fit? - ..it's time to go in.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Right, let's go. Right.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13As expected, they have no problem getting past the gate,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15but before they rouse the occupants,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18they want to be sure they've got the whole ground covered.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21The tent's going to be over the other side there,
0:03:21 > 0:03:22so you go and sort that.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Give us a shout once you're round there.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25Once the site's secure,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29they issue the wake-up call that's every squatter's worst nightmare.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31High Court enforcement.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34High Court enforcement. Time to wake up!
0:03:34 > 0:03:35High Court enforcement.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- Morning, mate. - High Court enforcement.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38All right?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40You need to pack your stuff up, you need to vacate, OK?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Quick as you can, please. Thank you.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44The dazed occupants have been caught off-guard.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Pack your stuff up as quick as you can.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49And at first glance, it doesn't look like they're planning to cause any trouble,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52but the sheriffs aren't going to be letting their guard down until they
0:03:52 > 0:03:54know exactly what they're dealing with.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56How many have we got, do you think?
0:03:56 > 0:03:58I don't know yet, but they're all over the place.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01They're up in the attic on this bit.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04The site is littered with makeshift structures,
0:04:04 > 0:04:06so it's hard to know where people might be,
0:04:06 > 0:04:10and the last thing the sheriffs want is any surprises.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11Open the door, mate.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Yeah, I'm on that.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- I'm packing up, brother. - OK, all right, OK.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17If you can just leave the door open.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Yeah.- This fella here, he's going to stay with you,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23just make sure you're getting on with it, OK?
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- How long do we have, brother?- We're going to give you about an hour.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- OK?- OK.- All right, thank you.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33At first, it seems the squatters are cooperative, if a little eccentric.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39They're quite happy, aren't they, most of them?
0:04:39 > 0:04:42They're sort of free spirits, aren't they, I suppose?
0:04:42 > 0:04:44I suppose that's what you'd call them.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46But Mark might have spoken too soon,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49as one occupant seems to be dragging his heels.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Have you got all your stuff?
0:04:51 > 0:04:54I've got it here somewhere, but I'm not very happy about it.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Well, I'm sorry I've upset you, but get on with it.
0:04:56 > 0:04:57Have you got a family home?
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Yeah, they're all in bed at the moment.- Yeah?
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- Just get on with it, mate. - Don't touch my arm. I'm going.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Right, you need to start packing your stuff up.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Yeah, I've done it already.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- I don't care...- You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason. Please listen.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13I said I've packed it up already and I'm going to pick it up and leave.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Rather than standing around arguing, can you actually show me you're doing that?
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- I'm not arguing, I'm just telling you friendly.- If you carry on, you'll be removed from the site.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23No-one was expecting the squatters to be pleased,
0:05:23 > 0:05:27but the sheriffs need to be on the lookout for tempers running out of control.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32There's an element of wounded pride, so you can almost expect them to
0:05:32 > 0:05:35push back a little bit, but it's just how far.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37One man, who's been living in a tent in the yard,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39is refusing to pack his things
0:05:39 > 0:05:42and is claiming the eviction isn't legal.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I'd love to speak to you in truth and honour,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46because I know that this documentation is unlawful.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I've studied law for three decades,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51and I unfortunately know that the entire legal system
0:05:51 > 0:05:55of your country is now in such gross fraud that we've stood away from it.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Take a breath, mate, take a breath. It's a High Court writ, OK?
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Stamped by the court.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02The man claims that the squat has declared itself
0:06:02 > 0:06:06an independent country, so he isn't bound by English law.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07You want to kill me,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10you want to exile me from the land I've built for the last three years,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12which we found abandoned...
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- It's not your...- ..and brought back to life.- The land doesn't belong to you.- The land is God's.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18But a philosophical debate isn't on the sheriffs' agenda.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- At ten to six... - No-one wants to hear.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23..that's in 30 minutes' time, OK,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25you are going to be leaving this property.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27If you want to take your stuff with you...
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- How do I live?- ..you need to start to pack it up.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- You've got 30 minutes. - How do I live?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35The sheriffs can use reasonable force if necessary,
0:06:35 > 0:06:37but it's a situation they'd rather avoid,
0:06:37 > 0:06:41so Mark is hoping his ultimatum will have the desired effect.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I've explained to him what he needs to do.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46He's not really listening, so I think...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48I've given him 30 minutes to start to pack up.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51If he's starting to pack up within those 30 minutes, fine.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55We'll see at ten to six, see what happens.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Later, can the sheriffs persuade the man to leave peacefully?
0:06:59 > 0:07:01The projected image that this man's sending to me
0:07:01 > 0:07:03is absolutely despicable.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05You know I read minds, don't you? And I read yours,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07and it's not pleasant. Please, take it away.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15Using the County Courts to try to recover money you're owed isn't difficult.
0:07:15 > 0:07:191.5 million money claims are made every year in England and Wales,
0:07:19 > 0:07:23involving anything from faulty goods or poor workmanship,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25to unpaid invoices.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Claims can be filed by post or online for a small fee.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Both parties in the case will be asked to submit evidence,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35and you may have to attend a court hearing.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37If you're successful,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41a County Court judgment - or CCJ - will be issued against the debtor,
0:07:41 > 0:07:45and if they still don't pay, that's when you call the sheriffs.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Every year, 3.9 million motor insurance claims
0:07:51 > 0:07:56are made in the UK as a result of accidents, theft or damage.
0:07:56 > 0:08:0199% of these claims are accepted and subsequently paid out,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03but occasionally claimants find themselves
0:08:03 > 0:08:06unable to get the money they're owed.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Lawrence and Kev are heading towards the Sussex coast,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11to deal with one of these cases.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16We're off to Hastings Insurance Services Limited.
0:08:16 > 0:08:22We are looking for £4,575.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28The claimant is Bill Young from Ashington in Northumberland.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30It all began with an outing to the local takeaway
0:08:30 > 0:08:34with wife Christine and their kids.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35We got in the car, headed down the road,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38and just as I was approaching the roundabout,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40the guy came out from the left.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41I did see it coming,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45but it was right at the last second and there was no way I could get out of the way.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48The other driver smashed into the side of Bill's car,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51writing it off and leaving the family shaken and hurt.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I can remember getting out of the vehicle
0:08:54 > 0:08:57and I tried opening the door, couldn't get out.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59I had to climb out of the driver's seat and I actually
0:08:59 > 0:09:03did go to hospital and got checked over because...
0:09:03 > 0:09:05because of my injuries.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Christine suffered whiplash,
0:09:07 > 0:09:12and it soon became clear that so did their 15-year-old daughter, Elise.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15My daughter realised at school when she was sitting
0:09:15 > 0:09:18on the high chairs in the science lab,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20cos she had no back support,
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and that's when she realised she was uncomfortable with it.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28So she had to actually tell the teacher she needed a special chair.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31She had to go through physio and stuff like that.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35But the good news was that the Youngs' insurance company was supportive.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38They said they would claim costs and compensation
0:09:38 > 0:09:40from the other driver's insurers,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Hastings, and seemed confident of a result.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47They got in touch to say that the driver had said it was his fault,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49so we had nothing really to worry about.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51We had a courtesy car.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54But as it went on, it started to drag on and drag on.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58It seemed that Hastings wasn't going to pay out just like that.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59I was quite surprised
0:09:59 > 0:10:01because it's quite a big insurance company
0:10:01 > 0:10:04and I thought it would just be... They would pay up straightaway, sort of thing.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Especially when the guy who's hit you is admitting fault straightaway.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Basically an open and shut case, really.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Weeks became months,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16and the situation was becoming increasingly worrying for the family.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18I was just stressed all the time,
0:10:18 > 0:10:22ringing up the insurance company just about every other day.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24I would send one thing and then they would say,
0:10:24 > 0:10:25"We need something else."
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Well, I thought, "Well, why didn't you say that in the first place?"
0:10:28 > 0:10:30It just went on and on.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32At the back of your mind you're always thinking,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34"Am I going to get the money?" You know,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38"Is it going to end up me paying for something that's not my fault?"
0:10:40 > 0:10:42A few months after the accident,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45the Youngs did receive the payout for their written-off car,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49but it took a year before Christine got compensation for her injuries,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52and Elise's whiplash was even less straightforward.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55It turned out she'd have to go to court.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57You don't really want your daughter going into a court.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00She seemed to take it in her stride, but it was worrying for us.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04And after the hearing, they were more confused than ever.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08The guy who was representing the other company,
0:11:08 > 0:11:10he basically just agreed they would pay out.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12There was no questions asked.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15It just seemed to be a waste of time.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20The Youngs could at least expect the matter to finally be resolved.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23But 18 months after the accident, they're still waiting.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Now the Youngs' insurers have decided to take the final step.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32They've obtained a High Court writ against Hastings Insurance
0:11:32 > 0:11:33and engaged the sheriffs.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36We've been informed that the sheriffs are going to go into
0:11:36 > 0:11:39the offices of the insurance company...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Basically bang on their door.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43..and actually physically take the money.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46We didn't expect this, so we'll see what happens from here,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48but hopefully we'll finally get what...
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- What we deserve.- ..we need.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Lawrence and Kev are soon to arrive
0:11:58 > 0:12:01at Hastings Insurance Services Limited.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02It should be straightforward,
0:12:02 > 0:12:04but Kev's taking nothing for granted.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09You'd have thought a job like this is a relatively easy payment,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11but you can never guarantee it.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15It's up this road somewhere, I believe.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17There it is, Conquest House, Hastings Direct.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20It's not quite the name on the writ,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24but it's more than likely to be just a trading name for the debtor company.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Unperturbed, Lawrence and Kev park up and head into the building.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Hi, there.- They'll rumble you, Pete, straight away.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33But our cameraman doesn't get far.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Morning, yeah.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37We wait outside, while Lawrence explains.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40My name's Mr Grix. My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43We've got a High Court writ against Hastings Insurance Services Limited.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51The sheriffs' unannounced arrival causes some confusion.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Lawrence and Kev don't know any of the specifics of the case,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56all they've got is a writ against the company
0:12:56 > 0:13:00with Mr Young's name on it, and no-one here knows who he is.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04After an hour, they've made little progress.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09One of the issues they've got at the moment is looking for the person
0:13:09 > 0:13:11in the claim.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12Once they find out who that is,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14they'll be back down and sorting it out.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17They're familiar with these scenarios.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18I think with such a big company,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21they must get a few of these things sort of slip through the net.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25The sheriffs can demand the writ is paid regardless,
0:13:25 > 0:13:29but companies are usually reluctant to reach for their credit cards
0:13:29 > 0:13:32until they know what they're paying for.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34So Lawrence is prepared to give them a bit of time,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38rather than threatening to remove assets from the office.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44Another 45 minutes passes before, eventually, he's out.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47And all the waiting around hasn't dampened his spirits.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50That went very well, really.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Eventually, they found who should be dealing with the claim.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Apparently, they'd already agreed a settlement and the solicitor should
0:13:57 > 0:14:01have paid it, so it's actually the solicitors that have paid it now.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03It took a bit longer than we would've liked, really,
0:14:03 > 0:14:05but sometimes it does.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13They've been paid the full £4,575.
0:14:13 > 0:14:1618 months after their car accident,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19the Youngs have finally got the compensation they were owed.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Well, we've finally heard from the sheriffs.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25It's good news.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28They're getting the money, so that's great.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30We would have preferred that we didn't need to claim
0:14:30 > 0:14:33and we didn't need it, but that's what these things are for.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42In London, the sheriffs are at a squat in Camden Town.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Morning!- The man who owns the land originally allowed the squatters
0:14:45 > 0:14:47to stay, but now wants it back.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50He couldn't persuade the squatters to leave of their own accord,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52so he's got a writ of possession
0:14:52 > 0:14:54which empowers the sheriffs to evict them.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57As expected, they're not best pleased.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02We try to love this world, and,
0:15:02 > 0:15:08of course, the "good fellas" kick us out.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12But for the most part, the squatters appear to be leaving peacefully,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14with a couple of exceptions.
0:15:16 > 0:15:17You'll be removed.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Physically.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Right, I have a bit of paper here - it's a High Court writ.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It commands me to come onto this land...
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Right, I've told you, mate, what's happening.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33OK...
0:15:33 > 0:15:39I'm a free person and I have the right to live and be on this planet.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42And outside, another man isn't cooperating, either.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Sorry?- The projected image and energy
0:15:44 > 0:15:46that this man's sending to me is absolutely despicable.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49Can you please ask him to stand at least 12 feet away from me?
0:15:49 > 0:15:50If you were inside packing up,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52I wouldn't be anywhere near you, would I?
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Cos I will remain out here. I won't come inside.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57You know I read minds, don't you? And I read yours, and it's not pleasant.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58Please, take it away.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03The man previously told the sheriffs he doesn't recognise English law.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Now he says he won't leave until he finds his pet cat.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Somewhere I have a very, very small kitten, it's tiny,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12and I need to find it.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13I can't even find it here.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16As soon as these people came on-site, she ran away.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17But kitten or no kitten,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21the man needs to pack his belongings if he wants to take them,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23and has so far refused to do so.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25The sheriffs' patience is running out.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28We'll keep hanging in with him, you know.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30We can keep playing his game for a little while,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32and eventually enough will be enough, where
0:16:32 > 0:16:34he may have to be helped off-site.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37And he's not the only squatter sailing close to the wind.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38- If you touch me, sir...- Yeah.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40..and you want to remove me...
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Yeah.- ..I don't know if that's the best thing to do,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45because obviously you don't have any powers.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- I do have power to do that. - I don't think so.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49You don't think so, I'm telling you I have.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51You haven't gave me birth, sir, I'm really sorry,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53you have to ask my mum and my dad.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56But the sheriffs don't need his parents' permission.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59And as the man continues to be obstructive, enough is enough.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01I don't respond to you.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Don't touch me, don't touch me.
0:17:04 > 0:17:05Come on, mate. You go and get your stuff...
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Don't touch me!
0:17:09 > 0:17:12I haven't said anything, I haven't done anything to you.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13- Come on.- What are you doing?
0:17:13 > 0:17:15You're going, mate. You're too gobby.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17I'm not too gobby. Hey, what's going on there?
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- You've had the opportunity. - What do you mean?
0:17:19 > 0:17:22He's not complying with what he should be doing
0:17:22 > 0:17:24and he's just standing around, being an issue.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Um... If he just carries on like that,
0:17:28 > 0:17:33the others are going to start sort of going along with his view.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39The man is convinced the sheriffs don't have any authority,
0:17:39 > 0:17:41and once outside, he calls the police.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46We have some people literally harassing us and attacking us.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49They're very dangerous. They pretend to have... They have some uniforms,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52you know, they pretend to be bailiffs or sheriffs or something,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55and it's a little bit of an illegal situation here,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57so we need to have some police here.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Meanwhile, back inside the squat,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03the sheriffs are still battling with the man in the tent,
0:18:03 > 0:18:04who now says he's ill.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Are you unwell? - Yes, I am, seriously unwell.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- OK.- I really have been for the last three years.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- All right.- I'm suffering from consumption.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15I've only got 10% of my lung capacity left.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18I'm very, very hard pushed to breathe and when stressed,
0:18:18 > 0:18:19it makes it worse.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Take this man away from me, he's really upsetting me.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- All right.- He's really upsetting me!
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- He's gone now.- No, he hasn't!
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Right, he has now, OK?
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- Get him away from me. - All right, listen...
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- I mean, seriously. - Do you need medical assistance?
0:18:31 > 0:18:32I would love it,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34but it's not a case that your medical people could help me.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36I haven't got a name, they won't treat me,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- so it's not going to help.- Are you refusing...?- I don't have a name.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40Do you want me to get you an ambulance?
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Yes or no?- I don't know what's going to happen, you may as well get me a hearse.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- Do you want me to get you an ambulance?- You may as well get me a hearse, I promise you.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49Later, patience runs out with the man in the tent.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51I have done nothing to these people,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55they are now depriving me from any ability to live!
0:18:55 > 0:18:57And tempers flare as the site is secured.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59THEY CHANT
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Why are you destroying our garden?!
0:19:05 > 0:19:08If you've won a County Court judgment and haven't been paid,
0:19:08 > 0:19:13for £66 you can get the case transferred up to the High Court,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16which will issue a writ for enforcement by the sheriffs.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20My job is to collect in full or remove goods.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22They've got special powers of entry.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26We don't have to take any notice of your security protocol, I'm afraid.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29And there's no limit on the size of the debts they can pursue.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31£1.6 million.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34If they're successful,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37they'll recover your money and costs from the debtor...
0:19:37 > 0:19:38Have you got the cash now, then?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41..as well as their own fees, which are set by the Government.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43She's paid, the judgment is settled.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Thank you very much.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47If the sheriffs can't get your money,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51they'll ask you to pay a fee of £75 plus VAT.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00In the Midlands, sheriffs Tommy Coyle
0:20:00 > 0:20:03and Craig Wild are heading into the Oxfordshire countryside
0:20:03 > 0:20:05to visit a residential address.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09This morning, it's an early one.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14We're off to go and see a Mrs Susan Mulvey,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16who is a vet.
0:20:16 > 0:20:22The debt itself is just short of £4,000.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25The debt is for wages owed to a former employee,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27and it's not the first time Mrs Mulvey
0:20:27 > 0:20:31has been in trouble over the treatment of her staff.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33In 2013,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37an employment tribunal awarded nearly £10,000 in compensation
0:20:37 > 0:20:41to another former worker, who was unfairly dismissed.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Mrs Mulvey didn't defend either case,
0:20:43 > 0:20:48and in this latest incident, currently owes £3,943.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53We've been to the vets before,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56to the actual shop and the address where she trades from,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59left a notification because she was actually operating
0:20:59 > 0:21:02on an animal at the time, so we couldn't get to see her personally.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Since then she's never been in touch with us at all,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08so our office has done some background checks,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11to find out where her home address is,
0:21:11 > 0:21:12and that's where we're off to now.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16As the claimant sued Mrs Mulvey personally,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18rather than her business,
0:21:18 > 0:21:22catching her at home could be a good way to get the debt paid.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23That's the one.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- In there, then.- In there.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27The sheriffs approach the house,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29first checking out the car on the driveway,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32but it's not that promising.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35That hasn't moved for ages, mate, that hasn't.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37The sheriffs will need to find some other way
0:21:37 > 0:21:39of persuading the debtor to pay.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42If she's in.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Got milk here, so think someone's still here.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Yeah.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Here we go.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Good morning. Mrs Mulvey?
0:21:56 > 0:21:57Is she available?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03It's Mrs Mulvey's husband,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06and it seems like the vet has already left for work.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10She's still living here, isn't she? Could you get her on the phone? Because we've been given this
0:22:10 > 0:22:13as an enforcement address for her.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15I can wait here, yeah.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18It's not ideal that Mrs Mulvey's not here,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21but the sheriffs know all too well that their presence
0:22:21 > 0:22:22on the doorstep is often enough.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24He's going to get her on the phone now,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26and hopefully Tommy can have a chat with her over the phone
0:22:26 > 0:22:28and explain the situation to her.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Sure enough, the man returns with Mrs Mulvey on the line,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34and the sheriffs are invited in.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35Thank you.
0:22:35 > 0:22:36Now that they're inside,
0:22:36 > 0:22:40they can't be told to leave and could seize assets,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42but hopefully it won't come to that.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Tommy's explaining the situation to her on the phone.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48They're trying to arrange the money as we speak. Um...
0:22:48 > 0:22:51I don't think they've got the money themselves in one account,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54it may have to come from two or three accounts.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59Mrs Mulvey needs to come up with close to £4,000 now,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01and it's not uncommon for debtors to struggle to raise
0:23:01 > 0:23:04enough funds on the spot.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07If she can't, then the sheriffs will have to decide whether to accept
0:23:07 > 0:23:12a part-payment for the time being, or stand their ground.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15But this time, that scenario is avoided.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16Fantastic news for the claimant.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18He's transferred the money into one account
0:23:18 > 0:23:20and they paid on a debit card in full.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Ten months after winning their case in court,
0:23:23 > 0:23:28Mrs Mulvey's former employee has finally got the wages they're owed.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33Back in Camden,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37the sheriffs are still trying to evict a group of illegal squatters.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39What's happening if we don't want to go?
0:23:39 > 0:23:41You'll be removed.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42While most are cooperating,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44one man has had to be removed by force.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- You're going, mate, you're too gobby.- I'm not too gobby.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48Wait, what's going on here?
0:23:48 > 0:23:51And a second is continuing to cause problems.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53He's been refusing to pack his belongings,
0:23:53 > 0:23:56and is now claiming to be unwell.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Two hernias, two dislocated shoulders and untold back pain.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- OK.- I live in a tent in a garden, not out of choice but out of force,
0:24:04 > 0:24:06because you people threw me out of my last life
0:24:06 > 0:24:09because I challenged the system and refused to wear a name.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11The system has been trying to deprive,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14deny and delay me any rights to live on this planet.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16But the sheriffs have heard it all now,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20so after 45 minutes of arguing and endless excuses,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22the man is given some assistance.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24I have done nothing to these people.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27They are now depriving me from any ability to live!
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Put him down gently, Steve.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32I have my rights.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Keep going.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- Legs down.- I have my rights.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- I have my rights. - Thank you very much.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Brother, I need my property, my kitten, I need my kitten.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48- His cat's inside there, his baby cat. - My children, my child is in there.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52The man needn't worry, as Vader the kitten is soon found.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Here's your cat.- That's Vader, what about the rest of my stuff?
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Now he's been removed, he wants his stuff, yeah?
0:24:59 > 0:25:01At the moment...
0:25:01 > 0:25:04I'm not going to let him get that.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07I'm going to clear the site and then I'll get a couple of our officers
0:25:07 > 0:25:09to pack his stuff up and just bring it out to him.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12MAN SHOUTS With the troublemakers now off the site,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15the sheriffs need to chivvy the rest of the squatters along.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I can see you've got your breakfast, have you got everything else?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- Are you taking the bike? - It's mine, yeah.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22After being on the site for three years,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26some of the squatters have a lot of possessions.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Luckily, they've also got a couple of vans,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31which is making the process a bit easier.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33I think we've got about half out at the moment.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35The majority of them have been OK,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39it's just a couple who have had to be removed because they're not...
0:25:39 > 0:25:41They're not doing what we've asked them to do.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44Sorry.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Meanwhile, the police have arrived,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51at the request of one of the squatters,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53who is convinced that the eviction is illegal.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56But once the police see the sheriffs' paperwork,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58it becomes clear to them it's the squatters
0:25:58 > 0:26:00who are on the wrong side of the law.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01OK, we'll go hang out front
0:26:01 > 0:26:04and just make sure no-one's getting all uppity.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05- Thank you.- OK.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09As the final squatters gather their belongings and leave,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12the temperature again starts to rise.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14MAN SHOUTS
0:26:14 > 0:26:19Garden community, garden community, garden community...
0:26:19 > 0:26:22The squatters are gathering outside and making themselves heard.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26Get a job, get a job!
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Not that the sheriffs are worried.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32I think it's a case of much sound and fury doth signify nothing.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Before the sheriffs can leave,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38they have to be certain that none of the squatters have been left behind.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Search every nook and cranny, roof spaces,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44outbuildings, shrubbery, tents,
0:26:44 > 0:26:46everything, yeah? Leave no stone unturned, yeah?
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Even if you think someone's checked it already, just double-check it, please.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53And as the search of the building progresses,
0:26:53 > 0:26:55Mark comes across something a bit odd.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I found a hatch or something in the floor, not sure where it goes.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01Probably nothing, but I need to check it.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06No, just the floor. That's fine, cool.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08It turns out to be nothing.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12And with the site confirmed as clear of squatters,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14attention turns to making sure they don't get back in,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17and securing the site for the owner.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19It's going to be a difficult place to secure up.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23Ideally, they're going to want security guards here,
0:27:23 > 0:27:24but whether he chooses that or not...
0:27:24 > 0:27:27If he doesn't, they'll probably be back in straightaway.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30The other thing the sheriffs can do is make sure there's nothing much
0:27:30 > 0:27:31to come back to.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34As long as their makeshift homes are still standing,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37this site will continue to be a draw for the squatters,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40so the owner has asked the sheriffs to remove them.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42SQUATTERS YELL
0:27:42 > 0:27:46Unsurprisingly, it only winds the squatters up more.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Please stop destroying my home.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53My belongings are inside.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Devil worship!
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Why are you destroying our garden?
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Why are you destroying our beautiful garden?!
0:28:01 > 0:28:04But the time has now come for the squatters to move on,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06and Mark is confident they will.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10There's still people coming back and forwards who've got stuff in there,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13which we are letting them on to get, escorting them on,
0:28:13 > 0:28:17and they're all outside still, all being very verbal.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20But as the day goes on,
0:28:20 > 0:28:21they'll peter out.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23Thanks to the sheriffs,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26the land is back in the hands of its rightful owner.