0:00:02 > 0:00:03Meet the sheriffs.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05My name's Mr Grix. My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- It's do with a High Court order. - They work for the High Court.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12And if it says you're owed money, it's their job to go and get it.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16I'm here for £6,072.18.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18They can demand payment on the spot.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20I'm here for the full balance.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22How are you going to pay it?
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Or 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 > 0:00:37The door needs to stay open.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Every year in England and Wales,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43unpaid debts totalling more than £80 million
0:00:43 > 0:00:45are recovered by the sheriffs.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Coming up,
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Kate Killick is owed three months' rent after her student lodger
0:00:54 > 0:00:56upped and left without warning.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59He rang me one day to say he had been kicked off the course
0:00:59 > 0:01:01and basically said, "Tough,"
0:01:01 > 0:01:04and had no sense that he was ever going to pay the money back.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07But when Tommy and Craig pay the man a visit,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10he's reluctant to face the facts.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12The car's not going anywhere, I'll tell you that now.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15You need to address this, Mr Akbar, otherwise it will be going.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20A repair to Tony Grace's pride and joy wasn't up to scratch.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23I felt angry that they'd not done the job properly.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26But will the sheriffs be able to find enough assets
0:01:26 > 0:01:27to get his money back?
0:01:27 > 0:01:30This is a remapping device.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32About £3,000-£4,000 brand-new.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Ken meets a debtor with an identity crisis.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39He's going in roundabout ways, trying to palm me off.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42And the sheriffs face resistance on a factory floor.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- Can you move? - On a commercial property,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46we can force entry if we need to, sir.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- It's a court order, sir. - But you ain't got to come in.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58In the Midlands, enforcement agents Tommy Coyle and Craig Wild are up
0:01:58 > 0:02:02early. They're in pursuit of a debtor who Craig is convinced has
0:02:02 > 0:02:06been avoiding him, and they're about to knock on his door.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10We're off to go and see a Mr Ali Akbar,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13who has had several visits from ourselves and notifications have
0:02:13 > 0:02:15been left on every single time.
0:02:15 > 0:02:16He's failed to respond to it.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21Mr Akbar has been taken to court for unpaid rent.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23The claimant is Kate Killick,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27a beauty therapist and a single mum with two children.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31She first met Mr Akbar when she was hoping to make some extra cash by
0:02:31 > 0:02:34renting out a spare room in the family home.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37The extra income is really important,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40because it's whether or not you have a really nice Christmas,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43you haven't got to worry about presents for the children.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47I don't think anyone really wants a stranger living in their house, but,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50you know, sometimes you have to do things.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Kate lives in Shoreham in Sussex,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56and to find a lodger, she contacted the local airport.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00They have a flying school and are often looking for host families to
0:03:00 > 0:03:02accommodate trainee pilots.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07The college put her in touch with Mr Akbar, and she agreed to take him in.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12Yeah, when I first met Ali he just seemed like a reasonably nice
0:03:12 > 0:03:14young person.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I think he was 20 or 21.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21Initially he was paying £125 a week, with breakfast,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25but he never got up for breakfast, so I just dropped it to 100,
0:03:25 > 0:03:26it seemed fairer.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30And in many ways Mr Akbar was the ideal lodger.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32He was hardly ever here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37He did go out every evening and he didn't get home till the early hours
0:03:37 > 0:03:38of the morning,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41and when I left for work in the morning he was still in bed,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45so I never really saw him. It was perfect, really,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47from that point of view.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50What wasn't so perfect was that after several months,
0:03:50 > 0:03:52he began to fall behind with his rent.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54But at first, Kate wasn't worried.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56When I questioned him,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59he said his mum was out the country and he'd have to wait till she got
0:03:59 > 0:04:02back in the country and he'd get the rent.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06And because she'd paid so much for these college courses and he's got
0:04:06 > 0:04:08another year or so, you know,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11I just thought that they'd be good for the money.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14But after Kate hadn't received her rent for three months,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Mr Akbar suddenly pulled the plug on their arrangement.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19He rang me one day to say he'd gone into college
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and he'd been kicked off the course.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24So he'd literally packed his stuff up and gone,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28and basically said, "Tough," I wouldn't be able to get
0:04:28 > 0:04:30the rent money, the arrears.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35He just appeared to not even have any sense of responsibility
0:04:35 > 0:04:39or that he was ever going to pay the money back.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42I did say I would go through the small claims court and he just
0:04:42 > 0:04:45basically said, "Good luck with that."
0:04:45 > 0:04:49For Kate, it was an upsetting end to the relationship.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51I am very angry with Ali,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55because you welcome someone into your home and treat them almost like
0:04:55 > 0:04:56a member of the family,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00give them a lot of trust and believe in their honesty,
0:05:00 > 0:05:02and they let you down.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06And it's a lot of money to lose, £1,500.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09So, just as she'd promised to do,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Kate pursued Mr Akbar through the courts.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17There was a court date set to explain his side and he didn't turn up.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20A default judgment was awarded in her favour,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24but Kate suspected that wouldn't be the end of it.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Just because someone's told they've got to pay you the money,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29they're not going to do it.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32So I went online to see what my options were,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35and that's when I found out about the sheriffs.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38It's now down to the sheriffs to get back her lost rent,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40plus costs and fees.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42100%, the sheriffs are my last hope,
0:05:42 > 0:05:44because I know he's not going to pay the money.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47He doesn't think there's a legal way that I can get the money,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49so he's going to have a surprise.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00In Birmingham, enforcement agents Tommy and Craig are arriving at
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Mr Akbar's home.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06We've noted a vehicle a couple of times that has been there,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09it's a sporty Vauxhall.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11The DVLA check has come back on that vehicle -
0:06:11 > 0:06:13the registered keeper is down to him.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18So today's job is to go there, knock the door again, if the car's there,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20we'll clamp it straight away.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22And if he wants to pay it then that's fine, we'll deal with that,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25and if not, unfortunately his car's got to go.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29The sheriffs approach Mr Akbar's house with anticipation,
0:06:29 > 0:06:31their eyes peeled for the prize asset.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- There it is, that white car there. - That's his car?- That's his car.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I'll park behind it, then.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38That's really good, look.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41There's the white car, there's the VXR.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Tommy blocks the car in
0:06:43 > 0:06:45and they get straight to work.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Right, that's on.- You done?- Done.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00HE KNOCKS
0:07:03 > 0:07:06But, just like Craig's previous visits, there's no answer.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08HE CONTINUES KNOCKING
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Brr!- Mr Akbar, it's Mr Wild from the sheriff's office.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18If you fail to come to the door,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21we'll have to deal with the court order by removing the Astra.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28This is what I get all the time here, just no answer.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31They're in, but they just don't answer the door.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35And after a few more minutes of trying with no response,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Craig sets the wheels in motion.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41I'm just going to phone the tow truck now.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44When we clamp a vehicle and immobilise it, we have to wait
0:07:44 > 0:07:47two hours, giving them a chance, really, to resolve it,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49even though we've been knocking at the door.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52It normally takes well over an hour for the transport to get here,
0:07:52 > 0:07:54so that's why Craig's organising it now.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Cheers, thanks a lot, bye-bye.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Contractors are all booked now,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00so the cost of that will go on top of their bill.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04In our experience, once the tow truck turns up with its amber lights
0:08:04 > 0:08:06flashing and the engine revving,
0:08:06 > 0:08:07that usually brings them to the door.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09This does happen sometimes,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13they just completely go to ground inside and they won't come out until
0:08:13 > 0:08:17the actual transport arrives to take the vehicle, and then someone may
0:08:17 > 0:08:20come to the door saying, "We didn't know nothing about it and want to
0:08:20 > 0:08:24"resolve this," and it's too late, normally.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27They have to find a large sum of money very quickly or it'll be going
0:08:27 > 0:08:30on the back of a truck and away.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34But no sooner has Tommy spoken than a young man walks out of the house.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- How's it going?- Hello, sir.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39Mr Akbar, is it?
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Mr Wild from the sheriff's office.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45They've sent us out to obviously execute this court order.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Because you owe the money, there's a High Court order.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51Yeah.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54The court thinks you do.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Mr Akbar, it seems, is in denial.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Well, unfortunately, Mr Akbar, all letters have been left
0:09:01 > 0:09:03for your attention, you've failed to deal with it,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05so they've sent us out to remove the car today.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11You haven't, sir. The court say different.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Well, you've had paperwork hand-delivered by the agent here.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21No problem at all.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Craig obliges and shows Mr Akbar his writ.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28And that's the commandment of the courts to endorse and obviously
0:09:28 > 0:09:30take control of your assets today.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Faced with the documents, Mr Akbar finally has a moment of realisation.
0:09:36 > 0:09:37Penny's dropped now, has it?
0:09:43 > 0:09:46It's already been to court, sir. No, it's already been to court.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Exactly, she's gone to court because...
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I'm not mad, blud. I'm not mad.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57I'm not a bailiff, no, I'm a High Court enforcement agent.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01I just explained it to you, I'm a High Court enforcement agent,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I've been here at least three times, left letters for you,
0:10:04 > 0:10:05you've failed to respond to that.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Despite seeing the court order,
0:10:09 > 0:10:13it seems Mr Akbar is unwilling to recognise the sheriff's authority.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Because the law says and the court say
0:10:17 > 0:10:19we've got to come here to see you.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22And if you don't deal with it, we've got to deal with it for you.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27We don't want to do that. We'd much rather get paid and be on our way.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31What makes you think it's not going to go?
0:10:34 > 0:10:37You need to address this, Mr Akbar, otherwise it WILL be going.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39The car will be going unless you can pay it.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49That's fine. But the law says you've got seven days from today,
0:10:49 > 0:10:54once your assets have been removed. We'll start doing the paperwork now,
0:10:54 > 0:10:56you've got the seven days to seek your own legal advice,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59try and raise the money and if you're successful,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02then you're entitled to your goods back.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Mr Akbar clearly doesn't want to pay, but it looks like the sheriff's
0:11:05 > 0:11:10ultimatum of removing the car is finally sinking in.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12After briefly heading inside to mull it over,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15he returns and he's changed his tune.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21It has to be the full balance, the reason for that is...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25You could have before.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29We don't have many options.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37Full amount or let the vehicle go, it doesn't matter whether you
0:11:37 > 0:11:39let it go or not, it will go, and you'll get seven days.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41That's all we can do for you.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43It's 20 to nine now, you've got
0:11:43 > 0:11:46until quarter past ten, an hour and a half.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48If you want to stop the vehicle going.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- No problem. - No problem at all, Mr Akbar.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00Mr Akbar's offer of part payment has come too late. His previous
0:12:00 > 0:12:04failure to engage with Craig doesn't fill the sheriffs with confidence
0:12:04 > 0:12:07about the prospect of him sticking to a payment plan,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10so with a decent asset sitting in front of them,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12it's got to be the whole lot.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16The defendant has indicated he might get some money, but the time is
0:12:16 > 0:12:21ticking and we told him the deadline to get that money to us.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23We've also told him that he has incurred the extra cost
0:12:23 > 0:12:27of the contractor, because we've commenced them on their way.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31So, unfortunately, it's been a very expensive day for Mr Akbar.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33As they wait it out in the van,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Mr Akbar again comes to speak to them, and he's got a fresh offer.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46We can't, it's not a case of us
0:12:46 > 0:12:50trying to not be helpful, we do as much as we can,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52we leave the vehicle clamped for two hours.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56This is clamped.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57It's clamped.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00There's a clamp on the front.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Once again, it's taking a while for reality to sink in.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07But with his offer of payment gradually increasing,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Tommy is quietly confident.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Yeah, a bit more positive that time,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14could be payment in full coming here. I've got a feeling,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I can feel it in the air, coming down the pipes.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20But later on, there's another problem
0:13:20 > 0:13:23as the car suddenly appears to have a new owner.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29The car's yours now, is it? When did you get it?
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Using the County Courts to try to recover money you're owed
0:13:39 > 0:13:40isn't difficult.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43One and a half million money claims are made every year
0:13:43 > 0:13:46in England and Wales, involving anything from faulty goods
0:13:46 > 0:13:49or poor workmanship to unpaid invoices.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Claims can be filed by post or online for a small fee.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Both parties in the case will be asked to submit evidence
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and you may have to attend a court hearing.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04If you're successful, a County Court Judgment, or CCJ,
0:14:04 > 0:14:08will be issued against the debtor, and if they still don't pay,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10that's when you call the sheriffs.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Enforcement agent Ken Warby is no mug,
0:14:17 > 0:14:22and today his nose to sniff out a tall story is going to come in handy.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24He's on his way to Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire
0:14:24 > 0:14:27in search of a local businessman.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31We are going to visit someone called Mr Rostami,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33trading as LJ's Nightclub.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Mr Ebi Rostami's been sued by a woman who was injured
0:14:38 > 0:14:43after slipping in his club. A court's ordered him to pay, but he hasn't,
0:14:43 > 0:14:47so it's Ken's job to collect £5,213,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50including costs and fees.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55It turns out Ken is no stranger to the nightclub scene himself.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Give me a half of shandy, and...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I can pull a few shapes on the dance floor, absolutely.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05But sadly we won't get to see that today,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08as it seems the nightclub has shut down.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12We was there a couple of weeks ago, and that's empty.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Sheriffs are permitted to visit any address where they believe
0:15:15 > 0:15:16the debtor may have assets,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20and they've been told Mr Rostami also runs a cafe.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25This second business could be the key to Ken getting his claimant's money.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27He reaches Aylesbury,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29parks up...
0:15:30 > 0:15:35..and heads into town on foot, passing the nightclub on the way.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Just checking to see no-one's moved back in there,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40but it is as it was a couple of weeks ago.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Off to the caff, and hopefully our guy is there.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48The cafe is just down the road, and Ken heads in.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Hello. I wanted to speak to Mr Rostami.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03He's the owner, yeah?
0:16:03 > 0:16:05I need to speak to him urgently.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Can someone get hold of him?
0:16:09 > 0:16:10Thank you.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14The barwoman heads off to see if she can track down Mr Rostami,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17and shortly afterwards a man appears from the back.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Hello.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21It's Mr Rostami I want to speak to.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Sorry, are you a... are you a manager here?
0:16:27 > 0:16:31In fact, although Ken has no way of knowing it, this is Mr Rostami,
0:16:31 > 0:16:34and he's being somewhat economical with the truth.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39He's not here?
0:16:42 > 0:16:43Right.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Well, you need to get him on the phone,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48because I need to speak to him urgently, thank you.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Cheers.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Mr Rostami walks off, and although he doesn't know the full story,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57Ken smells a rat.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Well, this is interesting. I think this guy, in a roundabout way,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03is trying to palm me off to someone else.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06But first impressions, yeah, plenty of assets in here, so, um...
0:17:08 > 0:17:09..we'll wait and see.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It's ten minutes since Mr Rostami disappeared
0:17:13 > 0:17:16before a new member of staff comes to speak to Ken,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19and now it seems the story has changed.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Right. We were informed that the guy owned this as well.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Right, OK. Did he used to own this, then?
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Right. I need to speak to the owner,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40because I've got a High Court writ of control,
0:17:40 > 0:17:44which gives me authority to remove goods from here in lieu of
0:17:44 > 0:17:46an outstanding amount that he owes.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49So you need to make some phone calls
0:17:49 > 0:17:51and get him or her down here straight away.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56So while one staff member thinks Mr Rostami owns the cafe,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58another seems to know nothing about it.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Ken's not sure what exactly is going on,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04but he knows better than to take the barman's word for it.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06"He doesn't own this, Michelle owns this."
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Well, I'm not going to go away on that basis.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12I need to speak to the supposed owner or new owner of this place,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15and I need some proof that she is the owner here.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Soon enough, a woman turns up who appears to be a manager.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22Hello.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Are you Michelle?
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Our cameraman obliges and steps out onto the street.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Ken follows shortly afterwards,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41and it seems Michelle has told him the same thing as the barman.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44She just confirms that he shut the nightclub down, this guy,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46and he has nothing to do with this place.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50I said, "I need to see some proof that you are the sole owner of this place."
0:18:50 > 0:18:52She said, "Well, it's going through."
0:18:52 > 0:18:54And then I said, "Is your name on the business rates?"
0:18:54 > 0:18:56She said, "No, it's still his name."
0:18:56 > 0:18:59I said, "You need to find this money and find it all,
0:18:59 > 0:19:03"because I will be removing your goods."
0:19:03 > 0:19:04So we're going to wait and see.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06She's gone to make a few phone calls.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09I'm just going to get back in there and
0:19:09 > 0:19:11tough this one out, I think.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17If Mr Rostami has indeed sold the business to this Michelle,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19it must've been fairly recently.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23There's even still a job advert in the window with his name and mobile
0:19:23 > 0:19:26number on it, not to mention his earlier appearance behind the bar.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Ken is not going to walk away from this one in a hurry.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35And soon enough, there is an offer of payment.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38She said that she can't come up with the full amount of money but she can
0:19:38 > 0:19:43come up with £2,000 and she has offered to clear the debt in three weeks.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47So hopefully that will be good enough for the client.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50The news is she is actually, um...
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Mr Rostami's ex-wife,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55so that's the connection. So...
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Dig a little bit deeper and we always get the truth in the end.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Ken heads back in,
0:20:02 > 0:20:07where he persuades Michelle to part with a further £213 up front,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10leaving a neat £3,000 to pay over three weeks.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Ken's confident she'll make good on her promise.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16I'm pretty sure they're going to have the funds.
0:20:16 > 0:20:17It's quite a good result, really,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19because originally I was given the story
0:20:19 > 0:20:23the guy had nothing to do with her place any more and that isn't quite the case,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27so a good result for the client, on to the next job.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Following filming, the debt owed by Mr Rostami was paid in full.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36The young woman who was injured in LJ's nightclub
0:20:36 > 0:20:39has now got the money awarded to her by the court.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Enforcement agents Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally are on the road.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56They're heading to Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire
0:20:56 > 0:20:58with a writ against a car garage.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02Today's debtor, though, is not the normal, run-of-the-mill garage,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06and the vehicle at the centre of the dispute is no everyday car.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09We're going to see Porsche Dynamics Ltd.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13The money they owe is £1,658
0:21:13 > 0:21:16and the debt is relating to some work they did.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20It's actually for a gearbox gasket replacement.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26The claimant in the case is heating engineer Tony Grace,
0:21:26 > 0:21:28a lifelong Porsche enthusiast
0:21:28 > 0:21:31and the proud owner of a Dolphin Grey model.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34I've always had Porsches. I've always had a passion for them.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I like the engine in the back and the sound of them.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41They're not overstated, the Porsches,
0:21:41 > 0:21:45but the 966 Turbo, it's the best one out of all of them.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49It's such a fast car and good fun, you know.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52But even the finest engineering isn't without its flaws,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56and one day, Tony discovered his beloved car
0:21:56 > 0:21:58had sprung a leak in its gearbox.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02So he looked around for a suitable specialist and someone he knew
0:22:02 > 0:22:04recommended Porsche Dynamics Ltd.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08When I first saw the garage, it seemed OK.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10I wasn't mad on the guy.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14He didn't seem as knowledgeable as other people that I've used,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16but you can be wrong on that,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19so I wouldn't hold that against him, you know.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24The man said the garage could fix the problem and charged Tony £700,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26but it didn't seem to make any difference.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28I kept taking it back and forward.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31I don't know whether they misdiagnosed it,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33but every time I got it back, it was leaking.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35So, in the end, I took it to a garage.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38I got it up on the ramp, and when I looked,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42they'd used a sealant on it and it was probably about six inches long,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45and I thought, "You can't do that on a car like that!"
0:22:45 > 0:22:49That's not really going to stop the pressured leak on the oil.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Even I know that and I'm not a mechanic.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Tony's final confirmation that he hadn't got the service he'd paid for
0:22:57 > 0:23:01came when the second garage made the repair he'd requested all along.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04He changed the gasket within five hours.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06He'd done a really good job and, touch wood,
0:23:06 > 0:23:07I've never had a problem with it.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10So, obviously,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13the other people didn't do the gasket.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16And that's when Tony began to get annoyed.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Because I had to take it somewhere else and pay again,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I've sort of had to pay double,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23and I've thought, well, that's not right.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26If I pay for something that's cost me 700 quid
0:23:26 > 0:23:28and then I've got to pay again...
0:23:28 > 0:23:32I felt angry that they'd not done the job properly, really.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Tony got in touch with Porsche Dynamics Ltd to complain,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38and initially, it sounded like they were keen
0:23:38 > 0:23:39to get the matter resolved.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42He said, "Oh, yeah. We'll give you your money back."
0:23:42 > 0:23:43So he didn't argue at first.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46But this went on for weeks and weeks.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50In the end, I had no alternative but to sort of take it further.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51Tony took the company to court
0:23:51 > 0:23:55and won his case when they didn't offer a defence.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56They haven't paid.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Now he's escalated the case to the sheriffs.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03If they don't get nowhere, I'll just have to accept it.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Lawrence and Kev are on their way to the debtor garage
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and it seems they and Tony have a lot in common.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Rather than tactics,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19the top conversational topic is the finer points of Porsche.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21I had one a few years ago, now.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23I had it for a long time. I loved it.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26If I had had the money, I would have had one when I was younger.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28I probably wouldn't now, to be honest.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30I'm getting to the time of life where I don't want to be
0:24:30 > 0:24:33getting down onto the level of a tea tray to get into my car.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37The sheriffs arrive at the industrial estate
0:24:37 > 0:24:41they're looking for and the debtor company isn't hard to spot.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- There it is.- The Porsche was a bit of a giveaway.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45That's how I roll.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46Like a ninja.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51The sheriffs head inside in search of £1,600.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54Morning, sir.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58My name's Mr Grix.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03We're here with a High Court writ of control against Porsche Dynamics Ltd
0:25:03 > 0:25:06in favour of Mr AJ Grace.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- Right.- We're ordered here today by the court to take control
0:25:08 > 0:25:13of goods to the value of £1,658.02 to clear this debt.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16The only way to prevent further action is to pay in full.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19At this point, the man asks our cameraman to leave,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21while the conversation continues inside.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26The debtor says he's got plenty of work but cash flow's a problem
0:25:26 > 0:25:28and so he can only raise £400,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31with the remainder to be paid over a period of weeks.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33But to go on a payment arrangement,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Lawrence wants at least half the debt cleared today,
0:25:36 > 0:25:40and he'd need to take control of goods on the premises as security,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42and that's where there's a problem.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46It seems Porsche Dynamics Ltd has another unpaid debt,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49and a different enforcement agent has already called
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and had first dibs on everything here.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55They've actually listed and got an inventory of goods
0:25:55 > 0:25:57they've taken down into their possession.
0:25:57 > 0:26:03So we've got to find other assets that they haven't taken control of.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08So, while the boss calls around to see if he can raise any more money,
0:26:08 > 0:26:12the sheriffs are on a treasure hunt for any assets that are left.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Predictably, the cars are all owned by customers,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18so Lawrence and Kev are focusing on the garage equipment.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21And so far, it's hardly proving to be a gold mine.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24As of now, there's only one diagnostics bit of kit
0:26:24 > 0:26:27that's worth... probably worth a couple of grand.
0:26:27 > 0:26:28We're just seeing what else there is.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Most of the stuff's on finance as well.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33So he's getting the finance documentation together, as well.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35We'll get a result of sorts on this job.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38It just depends. It depends what it is.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42It soon becomes clear that the boss can't raise any more money.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46The sheriffs have little option but to refuse his offer of £400
0:26:46 > 0:26:50and remove anything they can find which hasn't already been bagged
0:26:50 > 0:26:52by the other enforcement agent.
0:26:52 > 0:26:5745 minutes later, they are out the door with goods in hand.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59This is a remapping device,
0:26:59 > 0:27:03I would guess about £3,000-£4,000, brand-new.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07This is a snap-on bit of diagnostic kit.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Brand-new, this would probably be £3,000-£4,000.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13At auction, you'd probably get half of that.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14It may not be the Crown Jewels,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16but it should raise enough at auction
0:27:16 > 0:27:18to cover Porsche Dynamics' debt.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21That's if the man doesn't come up with the money first
0:27:21 > 0:27:23and within seven days.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25I think he'll potentially buy it back.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27He'll try and get the money together to buy it back
0:27:27 > 0:27:29before it gets sold. Hopefully.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32In fact, the boss never did make any payment at all
0:27:32 > 0:27:35and his equipment has been listed for auction.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39The claimant, Tony Grace, should get his money back any day now
0:27:39 > 0:27:43and is delighted to see the matter finally coming to an end.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Yeah. Good news. Probably, with the money,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49I'll probably end up spending it on the dog.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51She's got a bad foot.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55It's nice to have it come to an end and put it to bed,
0:27:55 > 0:27:57and then forget about it and move on.
0:27:57 > 0:27:58Life's for living.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00HE LAUGHS
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Porsche Dynamics Ltd told us that...
0:28:32 > 0:28:37It's before dawn and the sheriffs are gathering in Southend in Essex.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39There's lights on up in the property,
0:28:39 > 0:28:40so we need to be really quiet.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44They're here to evict a group of squatters from a nearby building.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48If the window's open, me and Jack go through the window.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51If the door opens easy, then in through the door.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54It's a commercial property which has been vacant for a while,
0:28:54 > 0:28:58and it's thought about a dozen squatters have moved in.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01The owner wants them out so he can renovate the building.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05He's got a writ of possession which the sheriffs are about to enforce.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09On this occasion, getting in proves to be straightforward
0:29:09 > 0:29:11as the window opens easily.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Soon followed by the door.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15All right, let's go.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16Hello!
0:29:16 > 0:29:21Once inside, at first they can't find any sign of the squatters...
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- Where is everybody?- ..until they get through into a second corridor...
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Whoa! Warm in here.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30..where the heating is on full blast and gives the game away.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Least they've got the heating on.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Yeah, nice and warm there, ain't you?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Wakey-wakey! High Court enforcement.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Enforcement agents, fellas.
0:29:39 > 0:29:40On first impressions,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43it seems like it's going to be a straightforward job.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47There's lots and lots of rooms.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51It is about ten people altogether but they're all aware and they all
0:29:51 > 0:29:53seem quite cooperative. They're all just packing up and going.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56I did see a big pile of suitcases in one room near the stairs as we
0:29:56 > 0:30:00came in, so it wouldn't surprise me if they're pretty much ready to go.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04There is one woman, though, who is starting to kick up a fuss.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09She's not happy about the sheriffs' early morning wake-up call.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11If you don't get on with packing your stuff,
0:30:11 > 0:30:13you're going to be removed without it.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15That's fine, and I have an issue with all these people
0:30:15 > 0:30:18standing here watching me like I've done something wrong.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Like I said, is there any need for it?
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Right, if you stay here, Angie, with the lady, OK?
0:30:23 > 0:30:25If you just move down a little bit
0:30:25 > 0:30:27and we'll just give you a little bit of space, yeah?
0:30:27 > 0:30:30You pack your stuff up, OK?
0:30:30 > 0:30:32And then we're out of here, yeah?
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Does my council tax or anything like that go on this, by any chance?
0:30:38 > 0:30:39Just curious.
0:30:39 > 0:30:40- No.- No.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Now, there's a new one I've not come across before.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46A squatter that pays council tax.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49Further down the corridor,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52another man is also questioning the sheriffs' authority.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56What is going on? You're all leaving.
0:30:58 > 0:30:59You're all going.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03It's not your property, so I suggest you go and pack your stuff
0:31:03 > 0:31:05like everybody else is doing and leave.
0:31:08 > 0:31:09Thankfully, most of the squatters
0:31:09 > 0:31:11are willing to leave without argument.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14Have you got everything?
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Yeah, I take the shoes from downstairs.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18But you've got everything, yeah?
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Because once you go, you can't come back in.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Apart from the woman, all of the squatters are Eastern Europeans.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Oi. Stop.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31HE MUMBLES
0:31:31 > 0:31:33They don't want any trouble.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35And although the building's being left in a bit of a state,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38it's still not as bad as many squats they've seen.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41We've seen a lot worse buildings than this, to be fair.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43No holes knocked in walls or anything like that,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46which is always good for the landlord.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49While most of the squatters are now outside,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52one man is taking longer than others to gather his possessions.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Last male's on the way out now.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Once he's gone, Lawrence makes a suspicious discovery in the room.
0:32:03 > 0:32:09Halifax Visa debit, a Post Office card and a Capital One credit card.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12He's found a pile of bank cards.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16They all belong to different people with English-sounding names.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Lawrence thinks the most likely explanation
0:32:18 > 0:32:21is that they've been stolen.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24I think we'll have to hand those in to the local police.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Everybody's out of the building now
0:32:29 > 0:32:31and now it's just the last little bit.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35There's a few external doors, the last few locks are being changed.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38It's been a good day and it's all been done fairly quickly.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41It's taken just over an hour to get the squatters out
0:32:41 > 0:32:44and secure the building, which will now be handed back
0:32:44 > 0:32:46to its rightful owner.
0:32:52 > 0:32:53It's eight o'clock in the morning,
0:32:53 > 0:32:57and enforcement agent Lawrence Grix is already on the road.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01He's heading into Surrey for an unpaid debt owed by a business
0:33:01 > 0:33:03specialising in eco-friendly heating systems.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06We're down near Guildford today,
0:33:06 > 0:33:08just coming into a place called Gomshall.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14We've got the Green Shop and Jan Aukstolis.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18We're here today for just under £8,500.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22The claimant in the case is Neil Cummings,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25a self-employed builder who came across the company
0:33:25 > 0:33:29after embarking on a labour of love, building his own family home.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33I've built houses for other people,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36but the idea of actually building a house specifically for us
0:33:36 > 0:33:38was a lifelong ambition.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41When we eventually found this plot, it didn't have any gas.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43There's no gas supply, there's no oil here,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46so I decided that I wanted to go the green route.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48After researching his options,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Neil found a local supplier and installer,
0:33:51 > 0:33:53the Green Shop in Gomshall.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57He went to meet the man in charge, Jan Aukstolis.
0:33:57 > 0:33:58He talked the talk,
0:33:58 > 0:34:01he seemed to certainly know what he was talking about.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05At the heart of the whole system was a wood-burning stove,
0:34:05 > 0:34:09and initially Neil was very pleased with the installation.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13All of the work proceeded well and everything was installed.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Everything seemed to be fine and above board.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20That was until Neil wanted to add a new feature on to the system,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23and when he couldn't get hold of Mr Aukstolis,
0:34:23 > 0:34:24called in another plumber.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28He came along and had a look at the system that we had here
0:34:28 > 0:34:31for a couple of hours, and he turned round and said,
0:34:31 > 0:34:32"I'm really not happy."
0:34:32 > 0:34:34He said that in his opinion,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37the system didn't have enough safety features within it.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41So Neil had it disconnected.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45When he contacted the manufacturer of one of the other main components
0:34:45 > 0:34:46in his heating system,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49not only did they confirm what the plumber was saying,
0:34:49 > 0:34:53they also forwarded an e-mail they'd sent to Mr Aukstolis.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56And in the e-mail, it basically turned round and said
0:34:56 > 0:34:59that the wood-burning stove used in conjunction
0:34:59 > 0:35:01with this particular system must,
0:35:01 > 0:35:05and must was all in capital letters, "MUST have an in-built quench coil."
0:35:05 > 0:35:09The quench coil is designed to release energy from the system
0:35:09 > 0:35:12in the event of a power cut or safety features failing,
0:35:12 > 0:35:17and without it, he feared he was sitting on a potential time bomb.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20If you can't release the energy, it's going to explode,
0:35:20 > 0:35:24and the idea of actually spending my life savings building this property
0:35:24 > 0:35:26to potentially have, you know,
0:35:26 > 0:35:30my family in a dangerous situation, is scary.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35Neil tried to get in touch with Jan Aukstolis to see what he had to say.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39He didn't reply to any of my text messages, e-mails. I phoned him,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42I went down to the shop, I couldn't get hold of him at all.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47Eventually, Neil decided the only option was to get quotes to rectify
0:35:47 > 0:35:49the work and complete the installation,
0:35:49 > 0:35:53and then take Mr Aukstolis and the Green Shop to court
0:35:53 > 0:35:54to cover the costs.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58When they didn't defend the case, Neil won a default judgment.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Since then he hasn't paid any money at all,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04so I've decided that I need to take this case further.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08Money's tight, I haven't been able to rectify any of the situation,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10and I won't be able to rectify it until I get any money,
0:36:10 > 0:36:14if I do get any money, back from the sheriffs.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17So hopefully, in their hands, we'll see what they can do.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Lawrence is en route to the shop,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30and his research in the office has painted a promising picture
0:36:30 > 0:36:32of what he might find.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36It looks quite a reasonably large premises,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39when you look at it on Google,
0:36:39 > 0:36:40with a car park to the rear.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44So hopefully they'll have assets there.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46There is money in wood-burning stoves.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51But Lawrence is foreseeing a potential pitfall.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55Mr Cummings has obtained his writ in the name of the boss personally,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58and the Green Shop, which is just a trading name,
0:36:58 > 0:37:00and so not a legal entity.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Success this morning may boil down to how exactly
0:37:03 > 0:37:06the business has been set up.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Lawrence arrives at the Green Shop
0:37:08 > 0:37:11just as some workers are about to get into their vans.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15I'm going to have to try and catch this fella here, I think.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18So there's no hanging about.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22Morning, gents. I'm looking for Jan Aukstolis.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24- Is that you at all?- No.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Is he here? Is Mr Aukstolis here?
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Our cameraman retreats to the road
0:37:32 > 0:37:36while Lawrence tries to find out where Mr Aukstolis is,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40but the workers here don't want to wait.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43When they start preparing to leave, Lawrence swings into action...
0:37:47 > 0:37:48..repositioning his van...
0:37:51 > 0:37:54..and blocking the entire entrance to the car park.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Sorry to have to do this to you, guys.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00I fully appreciate that you're only just trying to earn a living
0:38:00 > 0:38:01and do your job.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05But as their vehicles are sign-written
0:38:05 > 0:38:06and could belong to the debtor,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Lawrence can't let them leave until he has answers,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12which seem to be hard to come by.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Mr Aukstolis isn't here.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19The guys that are here say they basically run the place,
0:38:19 > 0:38:21they don't see him very often.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23They've tried contacting him on the phone,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25I've tried contacting him on the phone.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28The three vehicles that I've managed to block in
0:38:28 > 0:38:30are all clear of finance.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35If I can't get hold of him and the guys here can't get hold of him
0:38:35 > 0:38:38then, yeah, I'll basically remove the vehicles.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40But getting hold of Mr Aukstolis
0:38:40 > 0:38:42turns out to be quite simple after all.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46One man who's here is showing more interest in the case.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Mr Grix, G-R-I-X.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51And Lawrence puts two and two together.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53So, are you Mr Aukstolis, then?
0:38:53 > 0:38:56It is indeed Mr Aukstolis -
0:38:56 > 0:38:59the man who sold Neil his dangerous heating system.
0:38:59 > 0:39:05Lawrence shows him his writ and explains he's here for £8,440.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Mr Aukstolis tells him nothing here is owned by him,
0:39:08 > 0:39:10but by his business,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13which is registered as The Green Shop Gomshall Limited.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Lawrence demands proof of ownership,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20but in the end, he doesn't need to see it.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Perhaps mindful of his staff trapped in the car park
0:39:23 > 0:39:25and unable to get to work,
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Mr Aukstolis manages to come up with some money.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32Lawrence moves his van out of the way and lets them go.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34That didn't go too badly.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36The gentleman there actually was Mr Aukstolis,
0:39:36 > 0:39:41and he's managed to come up with just under £3,500 today,
0:39:41 > 0:39:43and I've put him on a monthly arrangement
0:39:43 > 0:39:45of £1,000 a month for the rest.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50All being well, he should clear his debt in five months.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54He does admit that the limited company owes the money,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56which is basically why he's paid some money today.
0:39:58 > 0:39:59But we'll have to see what happens,
0:39:59 > 0:40:02he may well just stick to his arrangement.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04Down the road in Sussex,
0:40:04 > 0:40:08word of the payment has come as a welcome relief to Neil Cummings.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Really good news from the sheriffs.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13We've actually finally managed to get hold
0:40:13 > 0:40:16of the first initial payment of just over £3,500,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18so that's come in and that's brilliant.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20So we've already got the new wood-burning stove,
0:40:20 > 0:40:23which is just sitting in place, it's not actually connected.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Let's just hope that Jan is true to his word
0:40:26 > 0:40:30and honours the agreement and it will be the end to a lot of stress
0:40:30 > 0:40:34and anxiety that we've had over the last year.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44When debtors can't pay on the spot...
0:40:44 > 0:40:47I'm assuming that you haven't got £5,000.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48Oh, dear.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51..the sheriffs won't always remove assets to get your money.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Goods go for about a fifth of their true value at auction
0:40:54 > 0:40:57and it's often better to agree to a payment plan.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00If you can come up with half of it today...
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Do you reckon you can do 200 a week?
0:41:02 > 0:41:04They'll make a list of assets...
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Ice machine.
0:41:06 > 0:41:07Bar chiller cabinets.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Television, PlayStation.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11..and a controlled goods agreement is signed,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15making it an offence for anyone else to remove them.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18You sign the form, it acts as security.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21The sheriffs will only return to take the goods
0:41:21 > 0:41:24if the debtor fails to make payments.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26I've signed him up for £1,000 a month.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28Providing you stick to that, you won't hear from us again.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37In Birmingham, Tommy and Craig are still trying to recover debt
0:41:37 > 0:41:40owed by a Mr Ali Akbar.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43He's finally realised that, with a tow truck on the way,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46he needs to come up with more than three grand, sharpish,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49or else his car will be going.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52So far, he's only managed to make offers of part payment,
0:41:52 > 0:41:54which have been rejected.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56But now a family member has got involved
0:41:56 > 0:41:59and is about to throw the sheriffs a curveball.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03The car's yours now, is it?
0:42:03 > 0:42:05When, when did you get it?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07You bought it yesterday, did you?
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Oh, right, so he sold it to you yesterday?
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- How much?- How much for, my love?
0:42:12 > 0:42:14It is. We need to see evidence.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Because we need to investigate it, you see, we need...
0:42:17 > 0:42:20We can't just, unfortunately, take your word for it.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24Moments later, Mr Akbar emerges with a change of registered keeper form.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Right, OK. It's still wet, though, this.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Craig's having none of it.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35It won't prevent us from removing the vehicle, unfortunately, Ali.
0:42:38 > 0:42:39Yeah, unfortunately...
0:42:39 > 0:42:42We can speak to her, but the car's still going.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45I don't think that's valid, unfortunately.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48If the Akbars want to stop this vehicle being removed,
0:42:48 > 0:42:50they're going to have to do better than that.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52He was claiming that the car was his all the time.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56All of a sudden, he's come out with the bottom half of the V5 document,
0:42:56 > 0:42:58saying he's sold it now to his mother or sister.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Clearly, the indication was it was his car this morning,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04so it won't prevent us from removing the vehicle today.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07But the Akbars aren't giving up just yet.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09The plot thickens when Craig
0:43:09 > 0:43:12overhears a conversation in the doorway.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15If you want to transfer the money into his account, that's fine.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18I said, if you want to transfer the money into his...
0:43:18 > 0:43:20Well, I can.
0:43:22 > 0:43:23Well, it is my business.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29But if they're thinking of making a bank transfer to complete the sale
0:43:29 > 0:43:32now, it would be too late.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35If there's a money transfer just happening just now,
0:43:35 > 0:43:37that's going to be irrelevant because we've already took control
0:43:37 > 0:43:40of the vehicle prior to it being sold.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43Meanwhile, Mr Akbar has reappeared on the driveway,
0:43:43 > 0:43:47and to Tommy's surprise, gets behind the wheel of another car.
0:43:47 > 0:43:48Strange, isn't it?
0:43:49 > 0:43:52Yeah, unusual. He seems to be going.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54Perhaps he's gone to get some money.
0:43:54 > 0:43:59Perhaps not. But the tow truck's now well on its way, so Tommy and Craig
0:43:59 > 0:44:03take the opportunity to do a damage report on his car.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05It's been pranged, that has.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07Driver's side, rear wing.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Time is running out for Mr Akbar,
0:44:10 > 0:44:14who soon returns, but has he come bearing cash?
0:44:14 > 0:44:16You all right? Do we know what we're doing?
0:44:18 > 0:44:20Are we paying it today or not?
0:44:20 > 0:44:22Because they're literally ten minutes away.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29Once it turns up, they're just going to hook it up.
0:44:33 > 0:44:34All right.
0:44:34 > 0:44:36OK, we'll have to remove it, then,
0:44:36 > 0:44:40but we'll leave all the paperwork for you, all right?
0:44:40 > 0:44:43You'll get it back in the same condition it is now if you pay the
0:44:43 > 0:44:46full bill, plus the storage costs, plus the removal fee for today.
0:44:46 > 0:44:51If it's not, then obviously you can take them to court for damages.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55Mr Akbar seems to have given up any hope of hanging onto his car today
0:44:55 > 0:45:00and as the tow truck arrives to take it away, hands over his keys.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03Are you going to get it back? Are you...in seven days?
0:45:03 > 0:45:05- No?- Do you want to take your stuff out first?
0:45:05 > 0:45:07Have you got any personal stuff in there, yeah?
0:45:07 > 0:45:09Yeah, get your stuff out, mate.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11Tommy removes the clamp.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16Job's a good'un.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18And the car's driven onto the back of the truck.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21So, yeah, at least he's given the keys up.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24Makes it a lot easier, both for himself and for us.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27If it does go to auction, then at least they've got the key to it,
0:45:27 > 0:45:29which increases its value.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36Yeah, it's seven days and then they
0:45:36 > 0:45:38have to put it into a public auction.
0:45:40 > 0:45:41You can.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45Suddenly, it seems Mr Akbar wants to buy his car back at auction,
0:45:45 > 0:45:48though it'd make a lot more sense to pay now,
0:45:48 > 0:45:51and just as the truck prepares to drive off,
0:45:51 > 0:45:53that's exactly what he starts talking about.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00If you've got the full balance now... You need it this second.
0:46:04 > 0:46:05It's gone.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11Mr Akbar has missed his chance.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13The sheriffs leave their paperwork.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15- There you go, my friend.- All right?
0:46:15 > 0:46:17Take it easy. Take care of yourself, yeah?
0:46:17 > 0:46:20- Ta-ra.- See you later, mate. - And their work is done.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22He tried his best to negotiate his way out of...
0:46:22 > 0:46:25us not taking the vehicle today by trying to transfer ownership.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28Even by his own admission, he said, "You've got to try it."
0:46:28 > 0:46:30But, unfortunately, it didn't work this time.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32Yeah, it's just a classic case of
0:46:32 > 0:46:35don't bury your head in the sand, because we won't go away.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38The sheriffs are on their way.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41Later the same day, Mr Akbar paid the balance in full
0:46:41 > 0:46:45and his car was subsequently returned.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49Back in Shoreham, Kate Killick has finally got the money she was owed.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52It's just really, really nice to know
0:46:52 > 0:46:55that the law is there to help people out.
0:46:55 > 0:46:56I couldn't be happier.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58You know, it was quite a long process.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01It's been over a year, but we got there in the end.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14The sheriffs are often called upon to visit companies
0:47:14 > 0:47:18with cash flow problems who are struggling to pay their bills.
0:47:19 > 0:47:20Jobs like these can be tricky,
0:47:20 > 0:47:24as the sheriffs are tasked with getting payments for their clients,
0:47:24 > 0:47:28but they'd rather not put anyone out of business in the process.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31This morning, enforcement agent Lawrence Grix is visiting
0:47:31 > 0:47:33a company in Kent.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36We're in the Garden of England today, just near Tonbridge.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40Going to a company called MetCon Sustainable Building Systems.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43MetCon Sustainable Building Ltd has been taken to court
0:47:43 > 0:47:46by a supplier which sold them some steel.
0:47:46 > 0:47:50They didn't defend the case, and so a default judgment was awarded.
0:47:50 > 0:47:54MetCon now owes £5,934.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59It is a trading address.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01And it's a limited company,
0:48:01 > 0:48:03so hopefully there'll be some assets there
0:48:03 > 0:48:06and we'll be able to get this resolved.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10But as he pulls up outside the premises, Lawrence is disappointed.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14First impressions, it doesn't look like they've got a lot here,
0:48:14 > 0:48:15to be honest.
0:48:16 > 0:48:18There's a pick-up that's sign-written.
0:48:23 > 0:48:27Lawrence, however, is never one to prejudge a situation,
0:48:27 > 0:48:29and heads inside in search of a manager.
0:48:33 > 0:48:37Hello there, sir. Is this MetCon Sustainable Building Systems?
0:48:37 > 0:48:39Lawrence is ushered through to a warehouse...
0:48:39 > 0:48:41Who's in charge at the moment?
0:48:41 > 0:48:44..where he explains to the staff the purpose of his visit.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47I'm asking who's in charge here at the moment.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50I've got a High Court writ against this company.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Pretty soon he's handed the director on the phone.
0:48:54 > 0:48:55Hello, sir.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58The director, it seems, knows all about the debt.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02He says the company owes money to a number of people and is
0:49:02 > 0:49:04trying to agree a repayment plan.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06You've sent a proposal for a company voluntary arrangement?
0:49:06 > 0:49:09That's a legally-binding agreement which helps a company with
0:49:09 > 0:49:14cash-flow problems gradually pay off its debts while continuing to trade.
0:49:15 > 0:49:19Such an arrangement would prevent Lawrence enforcing today.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23But it has to be approved by 75% of the company's creditors first,
0:49:23 > 0:49:25and that hasn't yet happened.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29Now that you've told me that, it actually doesn't put you
0:49:29 > 0:49:31in a better position, it puts you in a worse position.
0:49:31 > 0:49:36It means I've got to act today to secure this debt for our claimant.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39The company may owe money to a number of parties,
0:49:39 > 0:49:41but Lawrence is working for only one of them.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44What I'm going to do, because there's so much stuff here
0:49:44 > 0:49:47and it's difficult to remove, I am now going to call a locksmith
0:49:47 > 0:49:49and I'm going to secure the premises.
0:49:49 > 0:49:50I'm going to change the locks,
0:49:50 > 0:49:54secure the premises and take control of goods on the premises.
0:49:54 > 0:49:56That's my only option.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59Unless, of course, the director is able to pay instead.
0:49:59 > 0:50:06The amount due is £5,934.69.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09If I end up having to secure the premises,
0:50:09 > 0:50:12basically there's going to be another £1,800 plus VAT
0:50:12 > 0:50:13go onto that.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18OK, then, sir. Thanks, bye-bye.
0:50:19 > 0:50:22Apparently he'd sent a letter to our creditor
0:50:22 > 0:50:24proposing an arrangement last Friday.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27But they've sent the same letter to all the different creditors,
0:50:27 > 0:50:30which basically, from my point of view, escalates it,
0:50:30 > 0:50:36because it now means that I've got to protect our creditor's interest.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39And that means getting paid first before anyone else
0:50:39 > 0:50:40gets a slice of the pie.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43I got the gentleman here to phone the director again,
0:50:43 > 0:50:45and he said, "Give him another 15 minutes."
0:50:45 > 0:50:48It's been another 15 minutes, he's trying him again now.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51He's also tried to get a shareholder,
0:50:51 > 0:50:53who apparently is the money man,
0:50:53 > 0:50:56but he's not answering his phone at the moment.
0:50:56 > 0:50:58Not been able to get him, no?
0:51:01 > 0:51:03Although the company seem keen to pay,
0:51:03 > 0:51:06Lawrence is once again forced to consider his options.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10But while he could carry out his threat of securing the premises,
0:51:10 > 0:51:13he's not confident it would result in getting his claimant's money.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15There's not much in the way of assets here,
0:51:15 > 0:51:16it's mainly raw materials.
0:51:16 > 0:51:21There is a machine for folding the steel, folds it into a
0:51:21 > 0:51:25three-quarter box, which apparently they're about £200,000 new.
0:51:25 > 0:51:27But obviously this isn't new,
0:51:27 > 0:51:30and unless there's somebody who specifically wants to buy it,
0:51:30 > 0:51:32we'd probably be looking at scrap value for it.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35But then, finally, Lawrence gets another call,
0:51:35 > 0:51:38- this time from the company's shareholder.- Hello, sir.
0:51:38 > 0:51:43I have got to execute this writ to its fullest NOW.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46If this isn't paid, I'm going to be pulling the shutters down
0:51:46 > 0:51:47and changing the locks.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50It doesn't matter where you are in the world, sir, if you've got
0:51:50 > 0:51:53the funds to make a payment, it can be done from anywhere.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55It seems the message has sunk in.
0:51:55 > 0:51:59So he said he's not in a position to actually deal with it himself
0:51:59 > 0:52:01but he's going to phone his daughter.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04I'm a bit more confident there's going to be some money coming now.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06He apologised for the delay.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08I'll give him a few more minutes
0:52:08 > 0:52:10just to make a couple of phone calls.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12Hopefully it's going to get resolved shortly.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17It does. Lawrence soon confirms with his office
0:52:17 > 0:52:19that a payment has been made.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22Brilliant, cheers. Bye.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26I shall issue a receipt.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28There you go. Thanks very much.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32I'm pleased, certainly for the guys here, that I didn't have to...
0:52:32 > 0:52:34didn't have to lock the doors.
0:52:34 > 0:52:35Cheers, mate. See you later.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39And you.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42Lawrence is on his way,
0:52:42 > 0:52:45and the steel supplier who hadn't been paid has now got its money.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50MetCon Sustainable Building Systems Ltd's application
0:52:50 > 0:52:53to enter a company voluntary arrangement with its creditors
0:52:53 > 0:52:55has now been successful.
0:53:06 > 0:53:08Today, enforcement agents Tommy and Craig
0:53:08 > 0:53:11have been working in the Midlands, and in the middle of the afternoon,
0:53:11 > 0:53:15their third call of the day leads them into the city.
0:53:15 > 0:53:21Off to a limited company called Zebra Worldwide Machinery Ltd.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23It's run by a Simon Graham Winter-Moore.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27The claimant is a customer who wasn't happy with a lathe he bought.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31He took the matter to court and won a judgment against the company,
0:53:31 > 0:53:33but he didn't receive his money.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35Two months down the line,
0:53:35 > 0:53:39the sheriffs are hoping to collect £5,834.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44The sheriffs park up and ring the bell.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47DOORBELL RINGS
0:53:47 > 0:53:49Big old place, isn't it?
0:53:49 > 0:53:52It's a huge unit, but the shutters are down
0:53:52 > 0:53:56and there's no sight or sound of heavy machinery.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58Can't hear any noise.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04Just when they're beginning to suspect this visit is a lost cause,
0:54:04 > 0:54:05the door opens.
0:54:07 > 0:54:11Hello, sir. Trying to get in contact with Mr Simon Graham Winter-Moore.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15My name's Mr Wild, I'm a High Court enforcement agent.
0:54:17 > 0:54:18OK, so I need to leave the door open.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21Yes, I have to. No, sir.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25It's a commercial property. We can force entry if we need to.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30- Yes, we have.- We've got a court order to come in.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32Are you Mr Winter-Moore?
0:54:32 > 0:54:34I'll wait here.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36The door needs to stay open. We need to speak to him.
0:54:36 > 0:54:40Otherwise, we'll have to force entry and get the police.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42- No, we won't, sir. - We'll stay here until he comes down.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44That's fine.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47The last thing the sheriffs want is to get locked out.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50Although they could legally force entry if they needed to,
0:54:50 > 0:54:53it's a situation they'd rather avoid.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56We weren't going to let the door be shut on us.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58We'll be polite to these people as much as we can,
0:54:58 > 0:55:02but we are here with the authority of the courts to do our job.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04For now, they are happy to wait at the entrance
0:55:04 > 0:55:07where they've got a decent view of the assets.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09This lot, they're lathes, aren't they?
0:55:09 > 0:55:11They're pillar drills.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13That looks like a guillotine cutter.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16That's a scrubber, a floor polisher thing.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20Meanwhile, a man emerges from the office upstairs.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21- Hello, sir.- Hello, sir.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24- Mr Winter-Moore?- Can I help you? Hold on, that's a camera crew.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27It is indeed the company boss,
0:55:27 > 0:55:30but on spotting our camera he's less than pleased.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33We're asked to leave and it's left to Tommy and Craig inside
0:55:33 > 0:55:37to explain that it's time for Zebra to pay its debts.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40The answer isn't exactly what they expected.
0:55:40 > 0:55:44The boss says he's already paid and produces proof
0:55:44 > 0:55:46of a recent bank transfer.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49On closer inspection, it appears he's made a payment
0:55:49 > 0:55:51direct to the claimant's solicitor,
0:55:51 > 0:55:53but it's only for the amount owed
0:55:53 > 0:55:56before the case was transferred to the High Court.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58The director is not happy at all because he's saying
0:55:58 > 0:56:02the payment he made, he thought it was going to resolve the case.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04Obviously, court action has been taken
0:56:04 > 0:56:06and that's why we're here today,
0:56:06 > 0:56:09and he needs to deal with us, but he's not happy at all.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13Because he didn't pay to begin with,
0:56:13 > 0:56:16Mr Winter-Moore now owes another £868.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20He's not happy.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23Nevertheless, he reaches for his credit card,
0:56:23 > 0:56:25and the sheriffs are soon on their way,
0:56:25 > 0:56:29satisfied they've carried out the Court's wishes.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31Got a bit fruity on the door with one of the employees
0:56:31 > 0:56:36but managed to put the foot in the door, secure the access.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38The director produced evidence that he paid direct
0:56:38 > 0:56:43to the claimant's legal representation, just under £5,000.
0:56:43 > 0:56:45So we've checked that out, that's come off the bill,
0:56:45 > 0:56:47leaving a short balance outstanding
0:56:47 > 0:56:49which we have just collected in full.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55It didn't come to listing down the company's goods,
0:56:55 > 0:56:57but aside from the valuable machines they first saw,
0:56:57 > 0:57:00there was one asset inside that made quite an impression.
0:57:02 > 0:57:03Oh, yeah, the zebra head.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06There was a zebra head mounted in his office.
0:57:06 > 0:57:07- Huge.- Quite impressive.
0:57:07 > 0:57:11But for now, the boss's machines and taxidermy are safe.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14The sheriffs are leaving with payment in full
0:57:14 > 0:57:16and the claimant has got their money back.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20Mr Winter-Moore told us...