0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Meet the sheriffs.- My name's Mr Grix, my colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- It's to do with a High Court order. - They work for the High Court,
0:00:08 > 0:00:10and 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 > 0:00:30You'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 > 0:00:45than £80 million are recovered by the sheriffs.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Coming up...
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Louise Alderson thought she'd bought herself the perfect second-hand car,
0:00:53 > 0:00:55but it was a 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 > 0:01:13A budding property developer's lost out
0:01:13 > 0:01:16after squatters took over his building.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20We have subsidised the squatters by approximately £20,000.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23When the sheriffs try to evict them,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26they get more than they bargained for.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Didn't see all that, did you?
0:01:28 > 0:01:33At a demolition company, Lawrence eyes up some seriously heavy goods.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36We've been sent to this address today, sir, to take control
0:01:36 > 0:01:39of goods, which at the moment is the excavators and the crusher.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Ken's got a writ for a multinational giant.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Look at the size of these buildings! It looks like Cape Canaveral.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54The sheriffs' success is often down to their ability to take
0:01:54 > 0:01:59control of the debtor's goods to use as leverage until they get paid,
0:01:59 > 0:02:04but debtors often claim their assets belong to someone else.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06The sheriffs won't take that at face value,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09and will always do what they can to get to the truth.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Today, in the West Midlands, Tommy Coyle and Craig Wild's
0:02:15 > 0:02:18investigative skills are about to be tested.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22We're going back to a job where... We've been to before.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24It's a car pound.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27When we went before, we left notification of our attendance.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29They haven't responded to our paperwork,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31so we're back here again.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36The debtor deals in second-hand cars, and the claimant in the case
0:02:36 > 0:02:39is Louise Alderson, a teacher who came across
0:02:39 > 0:02:42the company when she was looking for a new car to get her to work.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47My old car had done quite a lot of mileage, and it was getting to
0:02:47 > 0:02:50the point where it probably needed a lot of repair work.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53I was looking for another Ford Fiesta.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56And when I spotted a lovely car advertised in Auto Trader,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59it looked really sporty and really attractive.
0:02:59 > 0:03:00And I'd just got married
0:03:00 > 0:03:02and my husband said, "Yeah, spoil yourself."
0:03:02 > 0:03:04So Louise went to have a look...
0:03:04 > 0:03:08and was initially underwhelmed by the dealership.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10My first impression was that, actually,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12this isn't what I was expecting.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14It was in the middle of an industrial estate,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18there was a tip nearby, and it didn't have a proper office.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22So I was immediately put off by that, but then when I saw the car
0:03:22 > 0:03:25and saw how lovely it was, and the man,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28the sales guy I spoke to, he came across as very friendly and
0:03:28 > 0:03:32very genuine, very honest, so that changed my mind.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36The Fiesta was £6,000,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40reduced to £5,000 with the part exchange of her old car.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43She took out a loan to pay for it, and drove it away.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45But it wasn't long before she experienced
0:03:45 > 0:03:47the first sign of trouble.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53About ten miles, maybe 15 miles away, on the way home,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55the engine warning light came on.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59So I pulled over, phoned them up and said this is what's happened,
0:03:59 > 0:04:01and he basically said, "Turn the engine off and turn it back
0:04:01 > 0:04:05"on again, and I assure you it won't come back on." And it didn't.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08But when the same thing happened the following day,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Louise was very worried and so she took the car to a Ford specialist
0:04:11 > 0:04:13to check it over.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16They discovered the truth about Louise's new car -
0:04:16 > 0:04:19it had been badly repaired after an accident
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and it had some serious problems.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23The welding had been done incorrectly,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26the brake pipe was severely bent.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29The fan... The wiring for the brakes was actually hanging into the fan,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and all of the electrics, most of them,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34had been disconnected, so it didn't even have air conditioning.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35It was a shock.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38A, I was very emotionally upset, and B,
0:04:38 > 0:04:42I'd just spent the money, couldn't afford, needed a car for
0:04:42 > 0:04:45work and was thinking, "What on earth am I going to do?"
0:04:45 > 0:04:48What she did was get straight on the phone to the dealers.
0:04:49 > 0:04:55They told me that the actual owner was away...abroad at the time.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58And we'd have to wait until the following Monday until he was back.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02That Monday came and went, no call. I phoned them.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06They still said, "Oh, no, he's still not here, you'll have to wait."
0:05:06 > 0:05:07And it was a continuum of that,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10my husband tried to ring them and speak to them as well.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12However, they just kept fobbing me off.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Frustrated, Louise called Trading Standards.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20They sent out an independent vehicle inspector, who found even more
0:05:20 > 0:05:22problems with the car.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26The back wheels were only holding on by one wheel nut.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28He found there had been other damage,
0:05:28 > 0:05:30the side impact bars weren't there.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33He actually said I was very lucky to be alive.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36And that's how I do feel, that I am lucky to be alive.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Yet even with this damning verdict on the car's dangerous condition,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45the garage still wouldn't commit to giving her a refund.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49It was just a continuum of, "Where's the car, we want the car,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52"meet the car, we'll send somebody out to get the car."
0:05:52 > 0:05:55But never at any point promising to actually pay for it
0:05:55 > 0:05:56at the same time as well.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00And my husband and I had decided that the one thing that we were
0:06:00 > 0:06:04adamant about not happening was for that car to go back on the road.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08So, Louise pursued the dealership through the County Courts.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12They didn't defend the case, and she was awarded a default judgment,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15requiring the company to pay her back, plus costs.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18They didn't, and now Louise has turned to the sheriffs as
0:06:18 > 0:06:19a last resort.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23The whole thing has been such an ordeal,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26I've had sleepless nights, I've been ill through it.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29All I can hope is that the sheriffs can get some money back for
0:06:29 > 0:06:32this for me, because if they can't do it, nobody can.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41The last time the sheriffs visited the dealership,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44they found a large lot full of vehicles,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46but it was locked up and no-one was around,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50so all they could do was leave a letter.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Today, they're back, and things look a lot more promising.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- It's open.- Are you ready?
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Again, there are plenty of cars in the yard,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05and this time the sheriffs have no problem finding someone to speak to.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06Is the boss about?
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- He's not here at the moment, mate. - Can he be contacted?
0:07:10 > 0:07:13We need to get him on the phone, basically.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15They don't seem surprised to see the sheriffs,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18and manage to get the company director on the phone.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21Hello, sir.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24It's to do with the High Court writ that's been issued against
0:07:24 > 0:07:30the company for £8,627.07, as it stands at the moment.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Obviously they've sent us out, they've sent us out to execute this court writ today.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40And it sounds like he's making all the noises Craig likes to hear.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Right. Brilliant.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- Lovely.- Sounds positive.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47It seems that it could be... he's just sorting it out.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52Maybe he got the letter before. So, it could be getting sorted.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Actually, the situation isn't quite as straightforward
0:07:56 > 0:07:58as Tommy is hoping.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01The director doesn't want to pay,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04and says the sheriffs can't touch the cars here.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09He's saying that all the stock belongs to another limited company,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13and they're supplying us now more documentation for the cars here.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18In other words, none of the assets here belong to the debtor.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21If so, then the sheriffs will more than likely have to leave
0:08:21 > 0:08:25empty-handed, but they're not going to just take his word for it.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27So what we need to do, we'll just make a list now.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- If we can tick them off.- OK.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33There may be dozens of cars here, but the sheriffs plan to
0:08:33 > 0:08:38check every single one against the paperwork the director provides.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41So they start noting the registration numbers of the cars.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43DY09.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45FG56.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48FG56.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51WP07.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54It's like a maze getting through here, a maze of cars.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57It's going to take some time, but as they only need to find a few
0:08:57 > 0:09:02decent cars belonging to the debtor company, it might be worth it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Just when they're getting stuck in,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Craig's interrupted by a phone call from his office.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10The director has sent in some paperwork as promised,
0:09:10 > 0:09:15but all it does is convince the sheriffs they're on the right track.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18We've had an e-mail in straight away from the director, but they only
0:09:18 > 0:09:22list two cars, which I don't think are even here, to be fair.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Meanwhile, perhaps unsure themselves of what stock is here,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29the employees are making a list of their own.
0:09:29 > 0:09:30They're taking their own lists.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33If they can supply the evidence that it was bought and paid for by
0:09:33 > 0:09:35a third-party company, rather than our company,
0:09:35 > 0:09:38then we'll be satisfied with that and then we'll walk away.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40If they can't supply that,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42then clearly we'll take it to the next level.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Later, tempers flare as the sheriffs up the ante.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53LAUGHTER
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Mind that egg.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Your cameraman!
0:09:58 > 0:10:00If this balance isn't paid,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02then we're instructed to remove these vehicles.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Using the County Courts to try to recover money you're owed
0:10:08 > 0:10:10isn't difficult.
0:10:10 > 0:10:131.5 million money claims are made every year in England and Wales,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17involving anything from faulty goods or poor workmanship
0:10:17 > 0:10:18to unpaid invoices.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Claims can be filed by post or online for a small fee.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Both parties in the case will be asked to submit evidence,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30and you may have to attend a court hearing.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31If you're successful,
0:10:31 > 0:10:36a County Court Judgment, or CCJ, will be issued against the debtor,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40and if they still don't pay, that's when you call the sheriffs.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Enforcing a writ often requires the sheriffs to draw on all
0:10:46 > 0:10:51their powers of persuasion and negotiation, but these tactics
0:10:51 > 0:10:55work best when the debtor is willing to engage in a meaningful dialogue.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Sometimes debtors simply don't want to play ball.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03In the south-east today, sheriffs Laurence Grix and Kev McNally
0:11:03 > 0:11:06are about to demonstrate that it's sheer persistence
0:11:06 > 0:11:07that pays off.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11This morning we are on our way to Pyecombe in West Sussex,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13just outside Brighton.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16We're going to see Wealden Haulage & Demolition Limited,
0:11:16 > 0:11:21and this debt is relating to...
0:11:21 > 0:11:27tipper hire charges, crushed concrete haulage and muck away.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30In other words, waste disposal services
0:11:30 > 0:11:33supplied by another company, who haven't been paid.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37Wealden Haulage & Demolition Limited were taken to court
0:11:37 > 0:11:39and didn't offer a defence,
0:11:39 > 0:11:42so judgment was entered by default.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Three months later and they still haven't paid,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48but the sheriffs are hoping to finally make sure they do.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52They owe a total of £16,335.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00They actually operate off a farm, so we're going to go there.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01As they turn in to the address,
0:12:01 > 0:12:05they immediately set eyes on a haulage truck.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07This is the right place, isn't it?
0:12:07 > 0:12:11They head past the farm shop and up the track towards a house.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Hello. Hello, you two. Hello.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19- Morning, sir.- Hello.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22I'm looking for Wealden Haulage & Demolition Limited.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23- That's me.- That's you.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26It's Markus Saich, the company director.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28We have a High Court writ to execute against
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Wealden Haulage & Demolition.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- The amount outstanding today is £16,335.99.- Right.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37We're ordered out to take control of
0:12:37 > 0:12:39goods to that value to clear the debt...
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Right.- ..and the only way to prevent further action is to pay in full.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Yeah, but I've applied to the court to have that set aside,
0:12:44 > 0:12:45and I'm waiting to hear back, so...
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Right. An application doesn't stop enforcement, sir.- I've...
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- I've been told it does. - By a solicitor?
0:12:51 > 0:12:52- Yeah.- Yeah? No, it doesn't.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Is this your private residence or is the business actually run from here?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- The business is run from down there. This is my private residence.- Right.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00I'm assuming you don't want goods removed.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02No, I don't know what goods you ARE going to remove,
0:13:02 > 0:13:06cos there isn't anything here that isn't on HP.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10But before Lawrence can probe for details, Mr Saich simply walks off.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16It's a bizarre turn of events, but Lawrence isn't fazed.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18I'm just going to make a note of some registrations
0:13:18 > 0:13:21and then we'll go down to where the business is run from,
0:13:21 > 0:13:23because we're more likely to find some assets down there,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25I would think.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28The sheriffs get in the van, and drive back to the farm shop
0:13:28 > 0:13:30where it looked like Mr Saich was headed.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34As they approach, Kevin thinks he spots movement inside.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- He's in there. - What, in the shop?- Yeah.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37- Is that where he is, is he?- Yeah.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43But any hopes that they may have found Mr Saich soon evaporate.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46No, it's shut.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51The farm shop is locked, and there's no sign of anyone inside.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52There was someone in there, 100%,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54and there's no-one else around, is there?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57No. They might be in an office at the back or something.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Lawrence has a nose around, but there's no other way in,
0:14:01 > 0:14:03and still no sign of Mr Saich.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Their best option now to get the debt paid is to identify some
0:14:07 > 0:14:11company assets, which on paper should be straightforward.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15They've got fixed assets of 674 grand,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17or they did have in November 15,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19so they've got a hell of a lot of assets.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22The problem is, not many of them seem to be here.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25We've got four-by-fours and things outside the house,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28which he's turned round and said are all on finance,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30but whether they belong to the company or not...
0:14:30 > 0:14:32There's also this tipper...
0:14:32 > 0:14:34That truck's what we'd need, really.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35..but it's massive.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- We can't clamp it, can we? - No. Definitely.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41I don't think there is a clamp on the market that will
0:14:41 > 0:14:43get on the wheel of one of those,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46cos that would have to go on an articulated low loader,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49or possibly be dragged,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51but if you're going to drag it,
0:14:51 > 0:14:52you've got to take all the driveshafts out.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54It's a pig of a job.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56It's too much for now,
0:14:56 > 0:14:59and, importantly, if the debtor's appeal is successful,
0:14:59 > 0:15:02the sheriffs wouldn't be able to recover the costs.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05So, with no assets, and Mr Saich unwilling to cooperate,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09this time the sheriffs will have to call it quits, for now.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12But we'll check out all the vehicle registrations,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14and if any of them do come back to the company
0:15:14 > 0:15:17and they're clear of finance, we can come back and take them.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22So, at the moment, I'm just going to leave paperwork, and that's that.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Later, the saga continues, when the sheriffs
0:15:25 > 0:15:28pay Wealden Haulage & Demolition another visit.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44It's 6am in Brixton, south London.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47All right, I'll give out a couple of copies of the writ.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Under the cover of darkness,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52the sheriffs are quietly preparing to carry out an eviction
0:15:52 > 0:15:54on a group of squatters.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58They've taken over a nearby commercial premises,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00and it's the job of team leader Mark King
0:16:00 > 0:16:03to take it back for the owner.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05The client has said there is potentially
0:16:05 > 0:16:07up to 15 people in there.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10We'll give them the opportunity to get their stuff together.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14If they don't, or they mess about or become aggressive or anything,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17they'll just be removed from the property.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23The building is owned by Julien Gressier.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25He works in the fashion industry,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27but, with a background in architecture,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31also has a sideline in small-scale property development.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35For me, it's about doing something that I like doing
0:16:35 > 0:16:37and trying to make a living,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41while creating homes which are desperately needed, you know,
0:16:41 > 0:16:42in the UK and in London.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47The property in question is a commercial building,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51which, until recently, was used to sell car parts.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54However, shortly after buying it at auction,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Julien was informed that squatters had moved in.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00As the building had been empty for a few months,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03at first he was sympathetic, and went to speak to them.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08They were keen on some sort of deal whereby they stay in the place,
0:17:08 > 0:17:12look after it, and it wouldn't deteriorate any further.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15To some extent, we were probably open to discussion,
0:17:15 > 0:17:20but I think came a point where we fairly quickly realised
0:17:20 > 0:17:23that they were taking the mickey, if you can use that!
0:17:26 > 0:17:29The squatters are preventing access to the building
0:17:29 > 0:17:31which Julien needs to progress the works,
0:17:31 > 0:17:34and because he was unable to persuade them to leave,
0:17:34 > 0:17:38he's embarking on the legal process of getting them removed.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40We are paying, every month.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Business rates are probably about £3,000 a month.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47So, overall...
0:17:47 > 0:17:51we have subsidised the squatters by approximately £20,000.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Julien has now obtained a writ of possession from the courts,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59which means he can legally evict the squatters.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03It's now down to the sheriffs to finish the job.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Julien's sure that one way or another,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07he'll get the property back,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10but he's worried about what state it might be in.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13The squatters have now been in the property for nearly a month,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16a month and a half, maybe nearly two months?
0:18:16 > 0:18:18We have been told by neighbours
0:18:18 > 0:18:21that there are approximately 30 people in there,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24dogs as well, so we don't know how bad it's going to be.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29While the squatters are asleep,
0:18:29 > 0:18:31the sheriffs are getting ready to make their move.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Team leader Mark King is no stranger to the tricks
0:18:34 > 0:18:37squatters can employ to keep the authorities out,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40so he's doing a recce with locksmith Andy
0:18:40 > 0:18:43to find out what they might be up against,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45and it doesn't look good.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Just had a look, all the shutters around the front and the side
0:18:48 > 0:18:50are padlocked or locked up.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Don't look like they're being used.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56There are two doors which are both locked,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58but they're barricaded on the inside.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Barricaded doors are bad news for the sheriffs.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09They want to gain access quickly and quietly
0:19:09 > 0:19:12before the squatters are awake and can cause any trouble.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14So Mark needs to choose which of the doors
0:19:14 > 0:19:18he thinks will be the easiest for the team to force open.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Just get the door open.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23He opts for one which he thinks the squatters might be using
0:19:23 > 0:19:27to go in and out themselves, and gives the go-ahead.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28Knock it in.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33The door is putting up a fight, but persistence pays off.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37And with a bit of elbow grease, the sheriffs manage to prise it open.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41All right. Hold on, hold on.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45What's behind it, though, is going to be much more of a problem.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47That ain't the way they're coming in, then.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49The doorway's thoroughly barricaded.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54The sheriffs throw everything at it they can.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58Someone else give it a go.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03But they've lost the element of surprise,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06so Mark might as well appeal to the squatters directly.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07Right, listen, fellas.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10We're enforcement officers with a High Court writ.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14We're coming in. You need to start packing up your stuff, yeah?
0:20:15 > 0:20:18What the sheriffs don't want is to give the squatters enough time
0:20:18 > 0:20:20to create any more obstacles...
0:20:22 > 0:20:25..especially as the heavily-fortified barricade
0:20:25 > 0:20:29they're already up against isn't showing any signs of budging.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30Keep going at that one.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Mark can't afford to waste any more time,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38so turns his attention to the shutters instead.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43That doesn't prove to be much easier, but eventually,
0:20:43 > 0:20:47they manage to force a gap just wide enough to squeeze through.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- All right, we're in, we're in. - Go, go, go.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Once inside, they set about waking everyone up and moving them out.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Right, you need to pack your stuff straightaway.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01You've got ten minutes.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04All right, fella, get your stuff packed up.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06You need to leave, yeah?
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Half-asleep squatters aren't the easiest to get motivated.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16And it's not only people that need to leave.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17We've got dogs, yeah.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- Yeah, three upstairs.- All right. OK.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24As the squatters slowly start to get their possessions together,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Mark reviews his tactical entry.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30We chose the wrong door, really, didn't we?!
0:21:30 > 0:21:35But you can't, you can't tell until you get inside.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I mean, we would have got through that eventually.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Either way, they're in,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44and it seems like the squatters accept the game's up.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47They were throwing stuff against the door first off,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51but once we were in, they're just packing up, aren't they?
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Because they know what's happening.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57The sheriffs' priority now
0:21:57 > 0:22:00is to try to get the squatters to remove as many of their possessions
0:22:00 > 0:22:03as possible, preferably quickly.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Well, ideally...
0:22:06 > 0:22:08..we don't want them to be here too long,
0:22:08 > 0:22:13because the longer we're here, the more it's costing the client, but...
0:22:15 > 0:22:18..on the other hand, we want them to take their possessions,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20because if they've got their stuff,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23then they're not going to want to get back in here.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26DOG BARKS
0:22:26 > 0:22:28And this group certainly has a lot of stuff.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35While the squatters' possessions pile up on the pavement outside,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Mark has a look around the premises.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40He's seen worse, but like many squatted properties,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42it's been left in a bit of a state.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45One of their bedrooms,
0:22:45 > 0:22:49which is probably some old office or something.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Normally, they take their mattresses with them,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54but they've not bothered this time.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57So far, things are all going smoothly enough.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Just when it looks like this eviction
0:22:59 > 0:23:01might pass without incident,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03the mood starts to change.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Just come and go, get your stuff, if you carry on, listen,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08if you carry on playing up, yeah,
0:23:08 > 0:23:10it's going to affect other people getting their stuff, OK?
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Come and get your stuff as you need to, and that's it.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Another of the squatters isn't keen on having their 15 minutes of fame,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19and is obstructing our cameraman.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- Just leave her alone.- No, I'm in the street, you're not police,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24you do your job, this is a public highway.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Yeah, it's a public highway.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29When the sheriffs step in, tempers flare.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Don't touch me, not in a public place, don't touch me.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33I'm not touching anything.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Not touching anything.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Hey, hey, hey, hey!
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Look, just calm down, fellas.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Do you want to get arrested?- Why?
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Do you want to get arrested?
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- We're in the street. - Well then, stop.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48You're going to make things worse for everyone else out here.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51The squatters are becoming more and more agitated.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54The situation is starting to turn ugly.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56Watch me! Hey, hey, hey!
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Try and burn me again with it, and I will chuck it.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- No.- You don't... You are grabbing me.
0:24:02 > 0:24:03You just tried to burn me with your cigarette.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Don't grab me. This woman is grabbing me.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07I'm not doing anything.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10No-one else to go back in now.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11No-one goes in now, Rupert.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13What?
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Take a step back.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16- What?- Take a step back, take a step back.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19No-one's going back in there cos she's messing about.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21For the sheriffs, enough is enough.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24With some of the squatters getting aggressive,
0:24:24 > 0:24:28the decision is taken not to let any of them back inside.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32So whatever possessions are still in the building will have to be left behind.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36So it's now all the more important the building's well and truly secured,
0:24:36 > 0:24:38so they don't break back in later.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Locksmith Andy's already on the case,
0:24:42 > 0:24:46and there is at least one door where the job's been done for him.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Yeah, a bit of barricading from the front.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51So I don't think Andy will do anything with that,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53because it's as good as it's going to be.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59As the new locks go on, the squatters start to disperse.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02But just as it appears that the tensions have been defused,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06one man who was causing trouble earlier comes back for more...
0:25:06 > 0:25:07A MAN SHOUTS
0:25:07 > 0:25:11..kicking our cameraman in the shins as a parting shot.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13We don't care. You're not welcome.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15He's just doing his job. Leave him alone.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18That's the last we see of him, though,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20and as the final stragglers head on their way,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22the sheriffs' work is done.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25All the locks have been changed.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29All the padlocks, exterior locks, door locks, everything.
0:25:29 > 0:25:30The property's secure.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Um...
0:25:32 > 0:25:35just got to sign vacant possession to the client,
0:25:35 > 0:25:37and then it's time for breakfast.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43The property is now back in the hands of the owner,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46and, a few weeks later, we're catching up with him.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Julien says the damage turned out to be far worse
0:25:49 > 0:25:51than he had feared.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56You had the alarm system that they ripped out...
0:25:57 > 0:26:01..you had the copper pipes, which were pretty much running all across,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03that they nicked.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06You know, chopped them off, sold for scrap, I guess.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10The worst was actually all the rubbish that we had to get rid of.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14That was probably about £3,000 to get rid of it.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20But with the clear-up complete, the space is now usable once more.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Julien is relieved to have his project back on track.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26I'm really happy I got the place back.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30It was pretty much two months of delay,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33but it's now behind us.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I have to thank the sheriffs very much
0:26:35 > 0:26:37for their...for their help.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40And giving us the space back, really.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53Tommy and Craig are at a used-car dealer's in the West Midlands
0:26:53 > 0:26:57which owes just over £8,500 to Louise Alderson.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01She bought a car from them which was too dangerous to drive.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04The boss of the business claims all the cars on the forecourt
0:27:04 > 0:27:06today belong to another company.
0:27:06 > 0:27:12But he's not here, and so far has e-mailed through paperwork for just two of them.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Now Craig's office have rung to say he's sent two more.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20So he's supplied those four. But no others yet.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23So those four are obviously exempt.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Sheriffs are entitled to do a diligent search of
0:27:26 > 0:27:27a debtor's premises.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30While they wait for the paperwork to trickle in, Craig has a look
0:27:30 > 0:27:34through the filing cabinet to see if he can speed the process up.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38The first thing he finds is a sales ledger.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42The Renault Megane, right there - £2,560.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Good price...
0:27:44 > 0:27:45for you.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47MAN LAUGHS
0:27:47 > 0:27:51It's not long before he discovers some more interesting information -
0:27:51 > 0:27:54logbooks and sales invoices.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57One immediately catches his attention.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01This document here says "purchased from the third-party company",
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and this is for a Subaru that's outside,
0:28:03 > 0:28:07but it's only an '02 plate, and we're after 8,000 quid.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10There's some of these other vehicles as well.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14The document shows that one of the cars outside was bought FROM
0:28:14 > 0:28:18the very company the sheriffs were told owns everything here.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Something isn't stacking up.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27Before long, Craig's identified a number of other vehicles too,
0:28:27 > 0:28:31and the sheriffs step outside the cabin to confer in private.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35- We've got an '09 Renault Clio. These are all here.- Mm-hm.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37The logbooks are in there and the keys are in there as well,
0:28:37 > 0:28:39so the game might be up soon.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Seize this paperwork, then, yeah? They ain't having it back.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Craig reckons if these vehicles don't belong to the other company,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48and they're up for sale in the debtor's yard,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51then they must belong to the debtor.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Confident they're onto a winner, Tommy takes all the keys and
0:28:54 > 0:28:57documents he can from the cabin and locks them in his van.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03Craig calls up the director and gets straight to the point.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06My office have instructed me to let you know that, obviously,
0:29:06 > 0:29:07if this balance isn't paid,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10then we're instructed to remove these vehicles.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14The director still claims the vehicles belong to someone else.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Sir, I'm not here to argue.
0:29:16 > 0:29:17If you can't provide evidence -
0:29:17 > 0:29:20further evidence, because we've got the evidence here -
0:29:20 > 0:29:22these vehicles will be removed today.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Unless, of course, he's willing to pay.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27OK, so the choice is yours.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31The balance stands at £8,627.07.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34I need an answer from you, and if you want to pay this bill or not.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36That'll be a no, then, yeah? Right.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39It looks like this is about to become a removal job,
0:29:39 > 0:29:41and just as they start making the calls,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45a third man arrives in the office.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- Hello, my friend. - I don't want no camera in here.
0:29:47 > 0:29:48You've got to get out.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- No, no, no.- We're here for the, erm...
0:29:51 > 0:29:54I don't want no camera in my face, mate, so get out, please.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55Yeah, yeah...
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Although it's not clear who he is,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00one thing that is certain is he's not pleased to see us.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04He tells the cameraman to leave, but then follows him to the road
0:30:04 > 0:30:08and unleashes an extraordinary tirade of abuse.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- White- BLEEP. - Listen, yeah? You dirty- BLEEP.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- You film me, I'll smack your head all over the floor, you white- BLEEP.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16BLEEP!
0:30:16 > 0:30:18Have that for the BBC.
0:30:18 > 0:30:19- BLEEP- dirty- BLEEP.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Film me? You know what?
0:30:21 > 0:30:22- Dirty- BLEEP!
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Pleased with himself, he heads back to the hut
0:30:27 > 0:30:30and, shortly afterwards, drives off...
0:30:30 > 0:30:31Out my way, mate!
0:30:31 > 0:30:34..but not without once again making known his feelings
0:30:34 > 0:30:35towards the camera.
0:30:35 > 0:30:36Don't film me, mate.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39And he's not done yet -
0:30:39 > 0:30:41ten minutes later, the same man is back,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45this time with a friend in tow, and armed...
0:30:45 > 0:30:47with eggs.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52All right, all right... Lads...
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- MEN LAUGH - That man got egged!
0:30:54 > 0:30:57The men run off, still hurling abuse.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Yeah, you're on camera, mate!
0:31:01 > 0:31:02MAN YELLS INDISTINCTLY
0:31:02 > 0:31:05As they leave, one throws a rock.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- Come on, then, you- BLEEP!
0:31:07 > 0:31:11What connection, if any, they have to the dealership is unclear,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14and the salesman left behind takes a very different approach.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Are you OK?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18Tommy, meanwhile, is unfazed.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21We've just been attacked with eggs,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24and they're trying to film it and stuff, so just...
0:31:24 > 0:31:26They look like young lads being idiots,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29but we're going to get the police here now, cos assault's happened.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32It's a bit unfortunate, but part of the job.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34The cameraman's coat's come off worse for wear,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37but luckily no-one's hurt...
0:31:37 > 0:31:39More of it's on your head, mate.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43..and the men have vanished by the time the police arrive.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Are you all right? It's just that they've ran off.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- They jumped our cameraman, basically...- OK.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50..smashed eggs on him, started throwing rocks at him.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51- A rock just skimmed his head.- OK.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- And we got you... Obviously, we called you guys.- All right.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59After speaking to our cameraman, the police head into the cabin.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01They're just going to make a bit of an investigation.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04There was threats made of...that they were going to petrol-bomb us,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06and that they were going to come back,
0:32:06 > 0:32:08so obviously we have to take these things seriously,
0:32:08 > 0:32:11especially the fact they were throwing rocks.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Craig, meanwhile, has made some progress -
0:32:14 > 0:32:17a friend of the director arrived during the disturbance on the road.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21He's now leaving, but it seems he wants to get the debt paid.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24Luckily for us,
0:32:24 > 0:32:28a friend arrived and managed to talk round the situation to him,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31and it's more cost-effective to pay it now and challenge it later,
0:32:31 > 0:32:33which is exactly what he's going to try and do,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36so, as we speak now, the money's on its way.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38We'll be about another half an hour,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40so we're just getting the receipt ready,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43so, as soon as it turns up, we can count it and be on our way.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49Satisfied the situation has calmed down, the police leave,
0:32:49 > 0:32:54and soon word comes through that the money is ready for collection.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57One of the salesmen goes to pick it up.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02When he returns 45 minutes later, the sheriffs are expectant.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Oh, look, he's got an envelope.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- Have we got it? Yeah? - There we go.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Have you got the money?
0:33:10 > 0:33:11- No money?- No.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- No money at all?- No, man.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- Well, where did you go? - TOMMY LAUGHS
0:33:15 > 0:33:18The man has returned empty-handed.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22That's wasting our time, now - it's as simple as that.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24He said he was going to get the money.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28Quite what has caused the apparent change of heart isn't clear,
0:33:28 > 0:33:29but Craig no longer cares,
0:33:29 > 0:33:32and once again gets the director on the phone.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34Your man's come back without the money,
0:33:34 > 0:33:38so my office has just told us to start removing the vehicles now.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40There's six vehicles to have away.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43No problem, then, sir. Thanks a lot. Bye-bye.
0:33:43 > 0:33:44Done now?
0:33:44 > 0:33:48"Do so as you wish," he said, so that's fine by me.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51All right, then, Tommy-boy, let's get these cars done now, shall we?
0:33:53 > 0:33:56Later, the job goes right up to the wire,
0:33:56 > 0:34:00as the company makes more promises of payment.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Here we go. He's back.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04Is it...? Have you got the cash now, then?
0:34:04 > 0:34:05Let's have a look at it.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Lawrence and Kev are back on the trail of a debt
0:34:16 > 0:34:21owed by a company called Wealden Haulage & Demolition Ltd.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23They previously visited the company's registered address,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- which was on a farm. - This is the right place, isn't it?
0:34:26 > 0:34:29But the director, Markus Saich, was far from helpful.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35And the only real asset there wasn't going anywhere in a hurry.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38That would have to go on an articulated low loader.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Or possibly be dragged.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Other vehicles seen at the site have now been confirmed as being
0:34:44 > 0:34:48on finance, and further contact with Mr Saich hasn't come to much.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52The director did contact me,
0:34:52 > 0:34:56saying that there was an order from the court stopping enforcement.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59But despite repeated requests, he hasn't provided that.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03So as far as we're concerned, this writ is still live.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06So far, they've had the doors shut in their face at every turn.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08But the sheriffs don't give up easily,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11and now they've got a new lead -
0:35:11 > 0:35:14a tip-off of a site where Wealden might be operating.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18So they're going there in the hope of collecting the £19,000 now owing.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21On arrival, it appears to be
0:35:21 > 0:35:24some kind of aggregate processing facility.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27There aren't any signs mentioning the debtor company,
0:35:27 > 0:35:31but Lawrence spots a man working on the site and tries his luck.
0:35:31 > 0:35:32Morning.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Looking for Wealden Haulage & Demolition.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39That's you.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41My name's Mr Grix. My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44We've got a High Court writ against Wealden Haulage & Demolition.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47We're ordered here today to take control of goods,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50which by the looks of it is the excavator and the crusher.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52Are you able to get him on the phone?
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Thank you very much.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56The man said it's the right place
0:35:56 > 0:35:58and the machines they expected to see are here.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00So far, so good.
0:36:02 > 0:36:03Until Lawrence is handed the phone.
0:36:05 > 0:36:06Good morning, sir.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10Was it you I met at the other address, at your house?
0:36:10 > 0:36:13It is indeed the company director, Markus Saich.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16We've been sent to this address today, sir, to take control
0:36:16 > 0:36:19of goods, which at the moment is the excavators and the crusher.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Once again, Lawrence is told everything is on finance.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Have you got paperwork to that effect?
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Are you able to get that to us?
0:36:27 > 0:36:28You're not.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32Mr Saich says if Lawrence wants the paperwork, he can come and get it.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Right, well, I'm not coming there, sir, because I'm here,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38and I'm going to be taking these goods into control.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42I can't take them into control at your other premises, can I?
0:36:42 > 0:36:45But not only is Mr Saich refusing to bring the documents
0:36:45 > 0:36:48the sheriffs need to see, he's now once again claiming that
0:36:48 > 0:36:51enforcement action has been stopped by the court.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Lawrence is sceptical.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55You told me weeks ago, sir, there was
0:36:55 > 0:36:57an order from the court stopping execution.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01I've asked you repeatedly for that and you haven't provided it.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05It hasn't been stopped until you find out what's going on.
0:37:05 > 0:37:06I have a live writ.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09OK, then, sir, call the police.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12It would be far more helpful if you have... Oh, there you go.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Actually, it would be a good thing if the police turn up now.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18That might prompt him to get down here,
0:37:18 > 0:37:19and that would be better for us.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23It's one of the ways in which we can progress this one at the moment.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Otherwise, Mr Saich's reluctance to cooperate is once again
0:37:27 > 0:37:29leaving the sheriffs in a tricky position.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32If the machinery really doesn't belong to Wealden Haulage
0:37:32 > 0:37:37& Demolition Ltd, then removing it would be a very expensive mistake.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40But it doesn't sound like the director's going to help them
0:37:40 > 0:37:42put the ownership beyond doubt.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45The director of the company doesn't really want to speak to us.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Whenever you get a job where you can't establish some
0:37:47 > 0:37:49kind of sensible dialogue,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53it's really awkward to get any kind of resolution, one way or the other.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55If the vehicles are leased from somebody, just give us
0:37:55 > 0:37:57the paperwork and we can go away!
0:37:57 > 0:38:00As it is, the sheriffs will have to work it out for themselves,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03so they head inside the yard for a closer look.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07But as they do, the worker present asks our camera to leave
0:38:07 > 0:38:09and shuts the gates behind him.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Seeing the chain go on, Lawrence gives the man a warning.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18I know that obviously your boss is telling you to do things,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21but I just have to advise you, from your point of view,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23it is a criminal offence to obstruct us,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25so I'm just advising you on a personal level,
0:38:25 > 0:38:29because if you do anything... I wouldn't want you doing anything
0:38:29 > 0:38:31that puts you personally in jeopardy
0:38:31 > 0:38:34because you're following your boss's instructions.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39The employee goes back to work while the sheriffs have a nose around.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41However, their exploration of the site reveals
0:38:41 > 0:38:44nothing besides the huge amounts of concrete,
0:38:44 > 0:38:48and no further clues to the ownership of the machines.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51There's a building next to the yard with another company's name
0:38:51 > 0:38:54over the door, so Kev heads in to ask what, if anything,
0:38:54 > 0:38:58they can tell the sheriffs about the crusher and the diggers.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01He soon returns with news.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- That crusher's financed and it's owned by this lot.- Yeah.
0:39:04 > 0:39:05He got his boss on the phone and he was like,
0:39:05 > 0:39:07"Yeah, no, no, it's definitely ours."
0:39:07 > 0:39:09- And they've got no reason to...- No.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Meanwhile, Lawrence has made a discovery of his own -
0:39:12 > 0:39:17one of the two diggers has broken down on top of a pile of aggregate.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21They began the day hoping to walk out of here with nearly £20,000,
0:39:21 > 0:39:23but that now looks like a tall order.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27# Don't know where we're going, got no way of knowing
0:39:27 > 0:39:29# Driving on the road to nowhere. #
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do
0:39:31 > 0:39:36because the one digger is immobile with a knackered engine,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39the crusher we've already confirmed belongs to somebody else
0:39:39 > 0:39:41and the digger's in use, and we can't take
0:39:41 > 0:39:44something into control if it's actually in use at the time.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46And he's still adamant it's leased from somebody.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50More than two hours after they arrived,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53and with no sign of the police, Lawrence eventually gets
0:39:53 > 0:39:57a call from the debtor's solicitor, who's only just been instructed.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01They say they'll need a few days to collect the relevant paperwork.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Frustrated, but with no leverage to demand payment,
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Lawrence has no choice but to agree.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09If you're actually going to cooperate,
0:40:09 > 0:40:12which I imagine you will, and deal with this in a sensible manner
0:40:12 > 0:40:14rather than just being obstructive like your client,
0:40:14 > 0:40:16I'll give you till close of business on Monday to get
0:40:16 > 0:40:19the paperwork over, and then I'm quite happy to leave it.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Otherwise I will be back and I will remove it.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24But the sheriffs never need to return.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28Following filming, Wealden Haulage & Demolition Ltd paid
0:40:28 > 0:40:32just over £19,000, clearing their debt in full.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36The people who hadn't been paid have now got the money they were owed.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54Back in the West Midlands, Tommy and Craig are still at the car dealer's.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57They've been there for four hours hoping to collect more than
0:40:57 > 0:41:00£8,500 on behalf of a customer,
0:41:00 > 0:41:04Louise Alderson, who was sold a dangerous second-hand car.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07It's been a very tense day.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10We've been pelted with eggs...
0:41:10 > 0:41:12MEN LAUGH
0:41:12 > 0:41:14..and rocks...
0:41:16 > 0:41:19..by two young men whose connection to the garage is unclear.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Don't film me, mate!
0:41:21 > 0:41:25Meanwhile, the boss finally agreed to pay, before his courier
0:41:25 > 0:41:27turned up without the cash.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- No money.- No.- No money at all?
0:41:31 > 0:41:32So, the money hasn't arrived.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I spoke to my office, they're organising the transport now
0:41:35 > 0:41:37and then we'll take it from there.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Tommy parks the van in the entrance to prevent anyone from trying to
0:41:42 > 0:41:44shut the gates.
0:41:44 > 0:41:45It's going to go to removal,
0:41:45 > 0:41:47so we're looking to get the six cars gone.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52The prospect of vehicles being imminently removed is definitely
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- making the company's attempts to raise the cash more urgent.- Hello?
0:41:55 > 0:41:58The problem is, now that six low loaders are on the way,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01they'll have to pay for those, too.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- 250 plus the VAT times six.- Six...
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- 1,800 quid, isn't it? - Yeah. Just gone up 1,800 quid.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- How long has he got before... - Done. The truck's on the way.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It's kind of too late, isn't it, now?
0:42:11 > 0:42:12You had the chance over an hour ago.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16What can you do?
0:42:20 > 0:42:22They don't want to pay the extra fees,
0:42:22 > 0:42:25and in an effort to get the removal called off,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27again promise that someone's on the way with cash.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32He's going to be back in 15 minutes maximum. Cancel it, yes?
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- I can't cancel it. - No, no... You have to.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37I can't. How long have we been here?
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- I know, I know, I know, I understand that.- I ain't cancelling it.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41I'm not cancelling it at all.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Craig is no longer interested in promises, only payment.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50As far as he's concerned, it's just a case of waiting to see
0:42:50 > 0:42:53which turns up first, the removal trucks or the money.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Here we go, he's back.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04It's the staff member who was sent for the money the last time,
0:43:04 > 0:43:06but came back empty-handed.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07What's going to happen now?
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Is it... Have you got the cash there now? How much have you got?
0:43:12 > 0:43:16- Got £8,927.- Let's have a look at it.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21He says he's come back with £300 more than the sheriffs asked for
0:43:21 > 0:43:22at the beginning of the day.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25But that's now not enough, because of the extra fees.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Craig calls his office.
0:43:29 > 0:43:35Lawrence, there's a whole bundle of cash here now, which is 8,900 quid.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38How much do we need to call this all to a halt?
0:43:38 > 0:43:42According to Lawrence, so far only one removal truck has
0:43:42 > 0:43:46actually set off, so they'll settle for just one cancellation fee.
0:43:47 > 0:43:48Yeah, cheers, mate. Ta-ra, goodbye.
0:43:49 > 0:43:54Which means, provided the cash adds up, this job might finally be over.
0:43:54 > 0:43:5644 twenties...
0:43:56 > 0:43:595, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13...
0:43:59 > 0:44:01All looking good so far.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08The gentleman has paid, at the moment, £8,900.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11And with the contents of the salesman's pocket...
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- I've got 70 as well. - Thank you, my friend.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19..they've come up with enough to satisfy the writ and the sheriffs.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23It's taken all day, but with the job finally in the bag,
0:44:23 > 0:44:25the sheriffs are all smiles.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29So, a massive ordeal for us today, bit of drama with the police,
0:44:29 > 0:44:31but finally we won the battle.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34It ended up being exactly what we wanted in the end.
0:44:34 > 0:44:36THEY LAUGH
0:44:36 > 0:44:40The debtor company later appealed the judgment against them,
0:44:40 > 0:44:42but a judge rejected their case
0:44:42 > 0:44:44and Louise was finally given back her money.
0:44:44 > 0:44:48If the sheriffs were here now, I'd give them all a big hug and a
0:44:48 > 0:44:50kiss because they've done an amazing job.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53I never thought anyone would be able to get the money,
0:44:53 > 0:44:54it's just fantastic news.
0:44:57 > 0:44:58And it didn't end there.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01Trading Standards subsequently prosecuted the business for
0:45:01 > 0:45:05misdescribing the Fiesta in their advert and for selling Louise
0:45:05 > 0:45:09a dangerous and unroadworthy vehicle.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12They were fined a total of £7,500.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15For Louise, it's the end of a long ordeal.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17Now it's over, yeah,
0:45:17 > 0:45:19maybe I can start to relax and look forward to
0:45:19 > 0:45:24one day buying a new car when I feel more confident about doing so.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34When debtors can't pay on the spot...
0:45:34 > 0:45:36I'm assuming that you haven't got £5,000.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38Oh, dear.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41..the sheriffs won't always remove assets to get your money.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44Goods go for about a fifth of their true value at auction,
0:45:44 > 0:45:47and it's often better to agree to a payment plan.
0:45:47 > 0:45:49If you can come up with half of it today...
0:45:49 > 0:45:52Do you reckon you can do 200 a week?
0:45:52 > 0:45:54They'll make a list of assets...
0:45:54 > 0:45:57They've got an ice machine, bar-chilling cabinets...
0:45:57 > 0:45:59Television, PlayStation...
0:45:59 > 0:46:01..and a controlled goods agreement is signed,
0:46:01 > 0:46:05making it an offence for anyone else to remove them...
0:46:05 > 0:46:08When you sign the form, it acts as security.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11..and the sheriffs will only return to take the goods if the debtor
0:46:11 > 0:46:13fails to make payments.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16I've signed him up for £1,000 a month.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18Providing you stick to that, you won't hear from us again.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26The sheriffs' cases come in all shapes and sizes.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30Debts start at £600, but can reach well into the millions.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33The debtors can be anything from one man and his dog
0:46:33 > 0:46:35to giant corporations.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39For enforcement agent Ken Warby, his first job of the day
0:46:39 > 0:46:43is against one of the big boys, a household name.
0:46:43 > 0:46:47This morning, we are off to a company called Procter & Gamble -
0:46:47 > 0:46:50huge company, soaps and toothpastes and suchlike.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56To be specific, Ken's writ is for a division of the corporation
0:46:56 > 0:46:59called Procter & Gamble Product Supply UK Limited,
0:46:59 > 0:47:03which owes a man £3,108 in legal costs.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11I think this is an office premises we're going to visit,
0:47:11 > 0:47:14so there should be some assets there.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17I would imagine, a company of this size,
0:47:17 > 0:47:22they will have a head office that would do any payments,
0:47:22 > 0:47:26so I wouldn't imagine the payment would probably come from here.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28But as Ken approaches his destination,
0:47:28 > 0:47:31it becomes clear it's not what he was expecting.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33"P&G London".
0:47:33 > 0:47:35I think we're going in the right direction.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38Instead of a small office with a car park,
0:47:38 > 0:47:41his sat nav has led him to a sprawling industrial site.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43Look at the size of these buildings! Look at the size of them!
0:47:43 > 0:47:46They all seem to be Procter & Gamble,
0:47:46 > 0:47:49and Ken's got no idea where he's going.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52There's no signs up or anything.
0:47:52 > 0:47:53Where would the office be?
0:47:53 > 0:47:56It's got to be around here somewhere.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58I... I can smell soap.
0:47:58 > 0:48:03Eventually, he's directed to a car park outside a chemical plant.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05It looks like Cape Canaveral.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08What kind of assets he could possibly remove from
0:48:08 > 0:48:10a place like this isn't clear.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13Still, he tracks down reception and heads in.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17But before he can utter a word...
0:48:19 > 0:48:21Erm... No, sir. Can you turn that off?
0:48:21 > 0:48:23..our cameraman's asked to leave.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29Inside, Ken begins the task of retrieving the claimant's money.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32He knows all too well that turning up unannounced at the doors
0:48:32 > 0:48:35of huge companies often causes confusion.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39Half the battle is usually finding someone on site who knows
0:48:39 > 0:48:43about the debt or has the authorisation to make a payment.
0:48:43 > 0:48:47This time, Ken gets lucky, and the reception staff manage to
0:48:47 > 0:48:49track someone down who knows about the case -
0:48:49 > 0:48:51even better, they agree to pay it.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54So far, so good -
0:48:54 > 0:48:57only, it turns out not to be that simple.
0:48:57 > 0:49:01Two hours after walking in, Ken comes back out empty-handed.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04They've tried to make the payment by American Express.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06Unfortunately, we don't take American Express,
0:49:06 > 0:49:09and they are the only cards that they've got on the premises.
0:49:09 > 0:49:16So we've had to wait around for the office to contact their head office,
0:49:16 > 0:49:20that isn't here, to make a bank transfer or an alternative card.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23Hopefully they'll do it.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26Ken's hardly worried about the company's ability to pay.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30Although the name on his writ is for one of its UK subsidiaries,
0:49:30 > 0:49:33Procter & Gamble is an American multinational giant,
0:49:33 > 0:49:37with a turnover running into many billions of pounds.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41But, after being here two hours, Ken would rather not have to wait
0:49:41 > 0:49:44much longer for payment, and he doesn't have to.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48The head office have been able to access another card,
0:49:48 > 0:49:52not an Amex card, and the payment's gone through.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55It all went smoothly, really. I didn't have to raise my voice.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58They knew from the off that they owed the money.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01And that means Ken never had to seriously consider removing
0:50:01 > 0:50:04assets from the chemical plant, although he did threaten it.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08I told them my intentions were to list items and have them removed.
0:50:08 > 0:50:10It's not going to happen for a small debt
0:50:10 > 0:50:12for a company of this size.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15If it was, it would end up a right soap story. Excuse the pun.
0:50:21 > 0:50:24Enforcement agent Tommy Coyle is in the East Midlands
0:50:24 > 0:50:27with a potentially tough away fixture on his hands.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31We're on our way to Corby today.
0:50:31 > 0:50:33We're visiting Corby Town Football Club.
0:50:33 > 0:50:35I think they're quite a small club.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38There's previously been an agent visit the property.
0:50:38 > 0:50:42I spoke to a Steve, who's the chairman, who promised payment.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45The payments have not been forthcoming.
0:50:45 > 0:50:49Corby Town FC has been taken to court for unpaid invoices
0:50:49 > 0:50:52by a company which has done groundwork on the pitch.
0:50:52 > 0:50:57The club didn't defend the case and judgment was issued by default.
0:50:57 > 0:50:58It owes...
0:51:02 > 0:51:05Tommy's not much of a football fan but today he's hoping to
0:51:05 > 0:51:08kick off a successful enforcement for his client.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10Hopefully they'll have some assets there.
0:51:10 > 0:51:14Could be a small bar, could be some minivans.
0:51:14 > 0:51:15Could be some trophies,
0:51:15 > 0:51:20but I don't know how many trophies Corby Town have won recently.
0:51:20 > 0:51:22Thankfully, it's not match day.
0:51:22 > 0:51:24"Welcome to Corby Town FC".
0:51:25 > 0:51:28Although Tommy has no trouble getting into the grounds,
0:51:28 > 0:51:32finding anyone to talk to might be another matter.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35But he soon navigates his way into some kind of clubhouse,
0:51:35 > 0:51:38where a team talk appears to be underway.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40HE KNOCKS
0:51:40 > 0:51:42- Hiya, you all right? - Is the chairman about?
0:51:45 > 0:51:48Could you give him a call for me? It's quite urgent.
0:51:48 > 0:51:49I'm an enforcement agent.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52Tommy's stumbled on the club's youth academy,
0:51:52 > 0:51:55and the man in charge offers to get the chairman on the phone.
0:51:58 > 0:51:59Is it?
0:51:59 > 0:52:01- I don't know what else I can do. - Is there anyone else you can call?
0:52:01 > 0:52:04Cos the problem I have, I'm literally here,
0:52:04 > 0:52:06I'm going to start listing assets down straight away.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09Once I've listed everything down, I literally could be getting
0:52:09 > 0:52:11contractors here and start removing stuff.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15News that an enforcement agent is planning to remove
0:52:15 > 0:52:20the contents of the clubhouse soon gets through to the right person.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22- You all right? - Chairman on the phone.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24- Is this Steve, is it?- Steve, yeah.
0:52:25 > 0:52:26Hello, sir.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32But club chairman Steve Noble hasn't called up to make a payment,
0:52:32 > 0:52:34he instead has a different take on events.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38What you're saying is he's willing to pay all the cost...
0:52:38 > 0:52:42He's talking about a deal he's come to with the claimant.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45I appreciate what you're saying, but unless I'm instructed
0:52:45 > 0:52:48by a court, I have to carry on in my actions today.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50All right, speak to you in a bit.
0:52:51 > 0:52:54Chairman seems to think that he's come to an agreement with
0:52:54 > 0:52:59the claimant, the claimant was going to pay our cost directly to us
0:52:59 > 0:53:02and then they were going to come to an agreement between theirselves.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04I've got no notes of that.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07And a quick call to Tommy's office suggests that
0:53:07 > 0:53:10while the claimant may be willing to accept a payment schedule,
0:53:10 > 0:53:14he wants any such deal to be arranged through the sheriffs.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17Oh, right, OK, so it's not what he said, then.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22In the meantime, Tommy's search for assets continues.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25In the bar, there's some alcohol.
0:53:25 > 0:53:27Limited wet stock.
0:53:27 > 0:53:30And a modest collection of silverware.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32Three cups up there. One large one there.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35So I'll make a note of them.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40Though the first aid room turns out to be of more interest.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42Oh, here we go.
0:53:42 > 0:53:43Resuscitating machine, electronic one.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45You just put the paddles on, start her up,
0:53:45 > 0:53:48and it saves your life, basically.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50They're really good bits of kit.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53Tommy knows how to use one from his days in the Marines.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55I was FA2 trained.
0:53:57 > 0:53:58So I could do a bit of first aid,
0:53:58 > 0:54:00stop you bleeding out if you got shot.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Hopefully, that won't be necessary today.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09Tommy takes the kit to the van and tries to reach the chairman again
0:54:09 > 0:54:11to see if he's going to come up with the money.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14Hello, Mr Noble, it's the enforcement agent.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17But it's not the news he wanted.
0:54:17 > 0:54:19The chairman still wants to come to an arrangement,
0:54:19 > 0:54:21but without putting any money upfront.
0:54:22 > 0:54:26Without making that payment now, we're not going to be able to
0:54:26 > 0:54:29facilitate anything other than removing what we can.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32We won't just come, leave a letter and then not return.
0:54:32 > 0:54:33I'm sent back to enforce it
0:54:33 > 0:54:39and I won't leave here today without payment or taking stuff with me.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42If you're telling me it's impossible to make any kind of payment today,
0:54:42 > 0:54:46then, kind of, our conversation's going to come to an end,
0:54:46 > 0:54:49cos I'm just going to have to carry on what I'm going to do here.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52It looks like removal is Tommy's only option,
0:54:52 > 0:54:55and he takes his search for assets pitch-side.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Two goalposts.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00Which, believe it or not, could be removed,
0:55:00 > 0:55:03although they're not as useful as what's in the outbuildings.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07Ah, that's the one. Exactly what I'm looking for.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11Something with a bit of monetary value.
0:55:11 > 0:55:12I'll have the keys as well.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16But before he can get too carried away,
0:55:16 > 0:55:18he's interrupted by a groundsman.
0:55:22 > 0:55:23Ain't they?
0:55:23 > 0:55:25Whose are they?
0:55:25 > 0:55:26They're yours?
0:55:29 > 0:55:31Have you got any evidence of that? Who are you?
0:55:34 > 0:55:36In terms of assets,
0:55:36 > 0:55:39the football club isn't proving to be rich pickings.
0:55:39 > 0:55:41Tommy's running out of places to look
0:55:41 > 0:55:45and thoughts wander to Sheriffs FC.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47I'll be a forward, Kev on the wing.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50We'll have Wild in defence with Ken,
0:55:50 > 0:55:52Alan in goal.
0:55:52 > 0:55:53Grixy will be our manager.
0:55:56 > 0:56:00Tommy returns to the van to start organising the removal,
0:56:00 > 0:56:02but is interrupted by another phone call.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04Let's just get this right, then -
0:56:04 > 0:56:07you hold the lease for the grounds here.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09And the building, yeah.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14There's been a late substitution and a new player is on the pitch.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18It's the landlord, who's got wind that the club's goalposts,
0:56:18 > 0:56:21among other things, might be about to be removed.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23It sounds like he could be willing to make a payment.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27OK, sir. All right, speak to you in a bit. Bye.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31He's willing to pay on their behalf the 3,000,
0:56:31 > 0:56:33and he'll have it paid by midday tomorrow.
0:56:35 > 0:56:37With limited assets here and other multiple claims
0:56:37 > 0:56:41over their ownership, it's a deal Tommy's prepared to agree to.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44The landlord soon arrives at the club,
0:56:44 > 0:56:46where he meets with Tommy off camera.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50A controlled goods agreement is signed for the assets
0:56:50 > 0:56:53listed down and Tommy leaves satisfied.
0:56:54 > 0:56:56With the complexities we had then
0:56:56 > 0:56:58and the amount of third-party claims,
0:56:58 > 0:57:01and with the property being leased by somebody else,
0:57:01 > 0:57:05I think it's a good result, getting the CGA, £1,500 per month,
0:57:05 > 0:57:07with the £3,000 paid tomorrow.
0:57:08 > 0:57:12The £3,000 arrived as promised and the company which did
0:57:12 > 0:57:15the work on the pitch has started to receive its money.