0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Meet the sheriffs. - My name's Mr Griggs. My colleague and I are Enforcement Agents.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06We're here with a High Court order today.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10They work for the High Court and if a judge says you're owed money,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13it's the sheriffs' job to go and get it.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- Hey, all the keys. - I'm going to be calling a locksmith.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19They can demand payment on the spot...
0:00:19 > 0:00:20What can you pay us now?
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- You're going to get the cash, are you?- Are you paying the bill?
0:00:22 > 0:00:24..or remove assets instead.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26You've got 30 minutes to make the payment.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27Or we'll start removing stuff from the building.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31You'll have a week to pay in full before it gets sold at auction.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Obstructing their work can be a criminal offence.
0:00:34 > 0:00:35I wouldn't do that if I were you.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- Don't lie to me.- No messing.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42Every year, sheriffs in England and Wales recover unpaid debts totalling
0:00:42 > 0:00:44more than £18 million.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54Coming up - Rob and Gerald have a debt to recover at a London car dealer.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57We're going to put a clamp on the vehicle and Rob's then going to tell
0:00:57 > 0:00:59them we're going to remove the vehicle if it's not paid.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03But with a 12-grand Range Rover's fate hanging in the balance,
0:01:03 > 0:01:05all doesn't go to plan.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07You are now committing a criminal offence
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- by obstructing an enforcement agent in the execution of a High Court writ.- You're taking my car.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Sharon Tofts was unfairly dismissed from her nursing home job,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17but hasn't been paid.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21A big company and a little carer - you just don't normally win.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24She sends in the sheriffs to get what she's owed.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29And Simon Brook hasn't been paid by a customer.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31I was getting more and more frustrated.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34I just fit a door and I expect to be paid for it.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39So Jess and Jamie visit the debtor at home and get more than they bargained for.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43No, you won't be knocking him out. That won't be happening.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54There are more than 40,000 successful employment tribunal cases each year
0:01:54 > 0:01:58and the average award is over £7,000.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00But not everyone gets what they're owed.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04If you've been treated unfairly and won your case,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07but your ex-employer doesn't pay up,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09the sheriffs can visit them on your behalf.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Today, Gerald and Rob are doing just that.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19This afternoon we're heading down to West Sussex.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24We're looking for a company called Medicrest Limited, erm,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26based at the Homelands Nursing Home.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30They owe just over £10,000,
0:02:30 > 0:02:35but Rob's done his research and reckons Medicrest Limited should be good for it.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Basic accounts that we've seen show the company to be currently valued,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41or valued last year, at £3.1 million
0:02:41 > 0:02:45with almost a quarter of a million pound cash in the bank.
0:02:45 > 0:02:51So this, hopefully, will be sufficiently discharged
0:02:51 > 0:02:53by the defendant as quickly as possible.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00The employment tribunal award should have been paid to Sharon Tofts,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04mother of two, and a former carer at Homelands Nursing Home.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Sharon wanted to go back to work
0:03:06 > 0:03:11after taking a career-break to bring up her children and look after her mother.
0:03:11 > 0:03:17My mum had died of cancer aged 60 and I had nursed her.
0:03:17 > 0:03:23I just felt that my skills were in looking after vulnerable people that needed me.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24It's quite a rewarding job.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27She started work at Homelands,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30providing day-to-day care for people suffering with dementia.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36It's quite a demanding job, because people's lives are at stake.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40It is a privilege when you work with the elderly
0:03:40 > 0:03:45to be one of the last people they might meet and it's interesting to hear their life stories.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49After three years working at the home,
0:03:49 > 0:03:54Sharon received some news that was to have a devastating impact on her and her family.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57I didn't even get a letter.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01The manager told me by text that I had been suspended.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Didn't have any clue what I was supposed to have done.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11Sharon was called to a disciplinary hearing and dismissed four days later.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15She denied any wrong-doing and felt unfairly treated.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Losing her job and her income was a shattering blow.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19It's really scary.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22I had to sell up my home,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26which was awful, because my children had to relocate schools.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29The impact on them was horrendous.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33I did hit rock-bottom and the doctor then signed me off
0:04:33 > 0:04:37unfit to work through depression and anxiety and stress.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Made miserable by the experience,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Sharon was determined to rebuild her life and her career.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48I wanted to support myself and my children -
0:04:48 > 0:04:51that's very important to me, to be independent.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54I just wanted my reputation cleared.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01With no job and no income, she couldn't afford a solicitor.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05I had to go and seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau and I was
0:05:05 > 0:05:09introduced to a fantastic guy - an employment specialist,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13and he basically helped me fight for justice.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19With his help, Sharon prepared her case for unfair dismissal.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Without the employment specialist from the CAB,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28I couldn't have done any of this. A big company and a little carer.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32You know, it's...you know, you just don't normally win.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Sharon submitted her evidence and when Medicrest failed to enter a
0:05:37 > 0:05:41defence, judgment went in her favour.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45To see it written - this judge, got his name and his signature,
0:05:45 > 0:05:52had written, "Sharon Tofts was unfairly dismissed," is priceless.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Despite the award, Medicrest hasn't paid out.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00So Sharon has called in the sheriffs.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02I do need the money.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06And I just want total closure, so I can move on.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09So I HAVE to get this, I HAVE to get this money.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20In Sussex, Rob and Gerald are pondering the unique challenges
0:06:20 > 0:06:24this job poses. As they may well come across the home's residents,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26discretion is going to be important.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33You would hope that the staff wouldn't want the residents to know
0:06:33 > 0:06:37erm, and you would hope they would usher us into a room somewhere
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and get this sorted out rather quick.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Rob is also worried that many of the home's assets will be necessary for
0:06:45 > 0:06:50looking after its residents and he has no intention of removing them.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Whilst it is a commercial premises, as it's a nursing home,
0:06:53 > 0:06:55it does come with its inherent problems.
0:06:55 > 0:06:56If they've got vehicles,
0:06:56 > 0:07:01we need to be careful that they're not classified as disability transport.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02A lot of the equipment,
0:07:02 > 0:07:06a lot of the beds will be used for residential care.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Normally, the sheriffs will take just about anything belonging to a
0:07:11 > 0:07:15limited company, but in this case, they don't want to disrupt the lives
0:07:15 > 0:07:17of the residents, and will tread carefully.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21If they've got 40 bedrooms,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24but only 20 of them were in use by residents,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27then the beds etc from the other 20 rooms could be taken and sold.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30After many years in enforcement,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Gerald's got a few thoughts of his own about their destination.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I feel at times I should be in the nursing home,
0:07:38 > 0:07:39let alone enforcing at the nursing home.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- Could well be admitting him now. - Thank you!
0:07:43 > 0:07:46HE LAUGHS
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Moments later, they arrive.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Oh, very nice. Yeah, quite happy live here.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53Geriatric Gerald!
0:07:53 > 0:07:56HE LAUGHS
0:07:56 > 0:07:59The sheriffs pull up and approach the main entrance...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02..give the front door a knock...
0:08:02 > 0:08:04DOOR KNOCKER
0:08:04 > 0:08:06..and wait.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09Hello, you all right?
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- Yes, fine, thank you.- Good, I was looking for a...
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- You all right?- Yeah.- Good.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18My name's Mr Foster, I'm an enforcement agent,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21basically looking for the owner or the director of Medicrest Limited.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25The staff member says the boss isn't here,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28but gets the manager on the phone.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29- Do you want to go in my room?- Yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- Yes.- Hello.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37As Gerald hoped, they're led into a room away from the staff and the residents.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41OK, I'm calling today with a High Court writ,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45with regards to an outstanding balance owed from a tribunal award
0:08:45 > 0:08:46to a Mrs S Tofts.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50The manager says they're going to appeal and shouldn't have to pay.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52Even on appeal, it doesn't stop enforcement, you see?
0:08:52 > 0:08:54We have been issued a High Court writ.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56The High Court has authorised us to come here and enforce this matter,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59and we're here today to collect or remove assets.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04From a nursing home, yes.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08As horrible as that sounds, that's what we have to do.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10The company may well have plans to appeal,
0:09:10 > 0:09:14but no appeal has yet been granted, and no stay on enforcement issued in
0:09:14 > 0:09:19the meantime. With the writ still live, Rob needs payment.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22If we can get a BACS payment or something like that for the balance,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24then that's it - we're gone and we're gone in minutes.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28The manager says that if payment is going to be made today,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31it will need to be authorised by a company director.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- Did she sound quite, er...?- She sounded quite positive.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36She's not authorised to make a payment,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39but she is going to get hold of the director now
0:09:39 > 0:09:41and see if she if she can get this sorted.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44She's fully aware of the severity of the issue,
0:09:44 > 0:09:46but she cannot authorise payment.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51It looks like the prospect of two sheriffs searching the place for
0:09:51 > 0:09:54unoccupied beds and non-disability-specific vehicles
0:09:54 > 0:09:56to remove has done the trick.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00They're ushered upstairs to talk to the boss on the phone.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Hello, sir. Yeah, that's fine.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Are you doing a payment straight into our account, are you?
0:10:09 > 0:10:11We understood it needed to be paid, but he thought,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15as he was looking to appeal it, that nothing would happen in the meantime.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17He has taken our bank details and he assures me that he's going to make an
0:10:17 > 0:10:20immediate BACS payment into our account.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Could be a nice little result. - It's already a nice little result.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Hmm.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28With the bank transfer confirmed, they head out.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31After a mere 20 minutes in the building,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Rob and Gerald have got the money Sharon was owed -
0:10:34 > 0:10:37with a minimum of disruption to the residents of the home.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Obviously, there are people living there -
0:10:40 > 0:10:42there are residents in that care home.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44The last thing we want to do is upset and disturb them.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Unfortunately, the business failed to pay its debts.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49We've had to go and enforce.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54And despite the attractions of a comfy care home,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Gerald will have to put off his own retirement for a while.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Unfortunately, Gerald IS in the van.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04We'll have to put up with him for a little bit longer yet.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08Medicrest didn't have an appeal granted within the statutory 14-day period
0:11:08 > 0:11:13and the sheriffs were able to transfer to Sharon the money that was rightfully hers.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18Over the moon. The sheriffs went in and got my money for me.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22With the ordeal behind her, she is back doing the job she loves.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26I'm actually sort of in the community and I drive round to the people in
0:11:26 > 0:11:31their own homes and they're sort of much more independent,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33but they still just need a little bit of support and help.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37It's lovely to think that I'm able to help them achieve that.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38It's a very rewarding job.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Using the County Courts to try and recover money you're owed isn't
0:11:47 > 0:11:52difficult. 1.5 million money claims are paid every year in England and
0:11:52 > 0:11:58Wales - involving anything from faulty goods or poor workmanship to unpaid invoices.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Claims can be filed online, or by post for a small fee.
0:12:02 > 0:12:08Both parties in the case will be asked to submit evidence and you may have to attend a court hearing.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12If you're successful, a County Court Judgment, or CCJ,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14will be issued against the debtor.
0:12:14 > 0:12:20If they still don't pay, that's when you call the sheriffs.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23The work of the sheriffs is in demand like never before.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27The number of High Court writs being enforced across England and Wales
0:12:27 > 0:12:29has risen dramatically in recent years.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Their success depends on convincing debtors to pay up,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37or instead, finding something they own to take control of.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44High Court Enforcement Agents Rob Foster and Gerald Anderson have one
0:12:44 > 0:12:46of best collection rates in the business.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Today, in North London,
0:12:48 > 0:12:52their skills as detectives and negotiators are going to be tested
0:12:52 > 0:12:56to the full before they can get their client what's owed to him.
0:12:56 > 0:13:02I'm looking for Kamran Khalid, trading as Motor Zone Trade,
0:13:02 > 0:13:06which we believe to be a garage, a car sales place.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11The sheriffs often head off to a job with scant information -
0:13:11 > 0:13:15just the name of their debtor, an address and an amount to collect.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21But today, Rob and Gerald are armed with some useful background.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26This particular case is regarding a car that our claimant in this matter
0:13:26 > 0:13:28bought from this garage.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31It didn't appear to be fit for purpose.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36It went back into the garage for repairs the first time, and took an awful long time to repair.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41It went in a second time, and wasn't even repaired on the second occasion.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45Our client therefore took them to court and won his case against them.
0:13:47 > 0:13:54In fact, Kamran Khalid did not contest the case and a judgment was made in favour of the claimant.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Mr Khalid was ordered to pay compensation. When he failed to pay,
0:13:58 > 0:14:04the claimant called in the sheriffs and provided them with a dossier on Mr Khalid and his company -
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Motor Zone Trade.
0:14:06 > 0:14:12Today, the debt stands at £2,599.50.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16He supplied us with a bit of background information,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19so we've been supplied with a picture of our defendant.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Don't know how old this picture is,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23but this is what we've been provided with.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28And he's also supplied us with a couple of Facebook posts showing a Range Rover
0:14:28 > 0:14:30for sale under the name of Motor Zone Trade.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37They find the address, a small industrial estate behind some houses.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39Is it here, is it?
0:14:39 > 0:14:45And almost immediately, Rob spots a Range Rover through the gate.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47That may be the Range Rover that was on the listing.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Do you want me to go out and open that gate?- Yeah, go on.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56There are a number of different units, and it looks as if multiple
0:14:56 > 0:14:57companies are trading here.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01The Range Rover plate matches the one in their dossier,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04but there's no Motor Zone Trade signage anywhere.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09It looks like it's going to be a difficult day for Rob and Gerald.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12First impressions are...
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Not great.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15This ain't going to go well.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Time to start asking some questions.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- You all right, mate?- All right? - Yeah.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- Is Mr Khalid about? - Sorry?- Looking for Kamran Khalid.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- Is he about?- I don't know the guy.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29All right, Motor Zone Trade?
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- I don't know him.- Right, OK.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36The man doesn't seem to know very much at all about Mr Khalid
0:15:36 > 0:15:37or Motor Zone Trade,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41so Rob and Gerald head into the first building.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43You all right? I was looking for Kamran.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Is he about?
0:15:45 > 0:15:48He's not, and this isn't Motor Zone Trade, either.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Very little to nothing in there anyway.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Where's his place, then? Where's Motor Zone?
0:15:57 > 0:15:59How do? Is this Motor Zone?
0:16:01 > 0:16:02It's another no.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05The debtor's not here and he doesn't have an office.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08But the men confirm these are his cars.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12There's something not quite right.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Motor Zone's whereabouts is a bit of a mystery,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18but the assets here give the sheriffs an advantage.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Rob's got Kamran Khalid's number on file,
0:16:21 > 0:16:26so calls him up to let him know they're going to take control of the vehicles.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29We're Enforcement Agents enforcing a High Court writ.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31We're on your yard at the moment.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Any chance you could come down and see me?
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Mr Khalid says he is away on holiday and can't get to the yard.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41But that doesn't mean he doesn't have to settle the debt.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46We've got a High Court writ that commands payment in full or the removal of assets.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49What I can do is send you our bank details for you to do a bank
0:16:49 > 0:16:53transfer, but we need payment in full now, or we're going to remove cars.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59He doesn't deny he owes the money, but tells Rob that's not possible,
0:16:59 > 0:17:03because nothing at the yard belongs to Motor Zone Trade.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07The Range Rover is listed on your website under Motor Zone Trade.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09All right, who does it belong to?
0:17:09 > 0:17:12And what about all the other cars here - who do they belong to?
0:17:12 > 0:17:17Mr Khalid says some are on sale on behalf of customers and the rest
0:17:17 > 0:17:19belong to another business on site,
0:17:19 > 0:17:23but Gerald's already spoken to them and he thinks otherwise.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25They maintain cars. They do not sell cars.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29All these cars that are here belong to this...er,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32the defendant we're looking for.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35As for the Range Rover with the £12,000 price tag,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38that, apparently, belongs to the site's landlord.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40All I need to see is proof.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43What you're going to need to do is try and get hold of the landlord of
0:17:43 > 0:17:46the property to come down with his proof of ownership for the Range Rover
0:17:46 > 0:17:49and you're going to have to get somebody out with proof of ownership for the other cars
0:17:49 > 0:17:51at the address, otherwise they're going to have to be removed.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The owner of the Range Rover is also apparently away -
0:17:56 > 0:18:00more than 4,000 miles away in Abu Dhabi.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Mr Khalid says the only two cars he personally owns aren't there -
0:18:04 > 0:18:07they're parked on his driveway at home.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08Fine, that's no problem at all.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10The client's given us the home address,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12so we'll go to home address and take the two cars that are there.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Yes, I can assure you it does work like that, and we can do that.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Rob's gradually getting his point across.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24Mr Khalid now offers a part-payment in a month's time.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25Rob's not interested.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29There's enough assets here to clear the debt today.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31I can't accept the deal. As much as you want me to accept a deal,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35I can't accept a deal. It needs to be paid in full or we have to remove.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37He tells Mr Khalid if he wants to keep the cars,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41then he needs to try and get some money together and call him back.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45We'll see what he comes back with, but it is only a £2,500 balance.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48For a trading car company, that should be no problem.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51While they wait for a decision,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54a man who works for another business in the yard turns up,
0:18:54 > 0:18:58and the sheriffs take their chance to get some more information.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Have you seen the guy that comes here and sells cars -
0:19:00 > 0:19:01if I show you a picture of him?
0:19:01 > 0:19:05I see him every day. Yeah, I think that's him. That looks like him.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08When was the last time you seen Mr Khalid here?
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- Definitely yesterday. - Yesterday?- Yesterday, yes.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14So the chance of him, "I'm on holiday," is slim?
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Very slim. I think very slim.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Cheers, mate, thank you very much.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Shortly afterwards, Mr Khalid gets back in contact.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Whether he's on holiday or not,
0:19:24 > 0:19:29he hasn't made arrangements to pay and is still arguing about who owns
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- the Range Rover.- The defendant has texted back now,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36saying that the owner of the Range Rover is coming.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- I thought he was in Abu Dhabi. - That's exactly it.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42He said the rest of the cars all belong to a third party.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45He said, "I'll get the owner to come down with proof of ownership now".
0:19:46 > 0:19:51Going to the extreme of removing the cars will be expensive for the debtor
0:19:51 > 0:19:54and the sheriffs would much prefer some money.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58If Mr Khalid can provide documents showing the cars don't belong to him,
0:19:58 > 0:20:02the sheriffs won't have any choice but to leave the yard empty-handed.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07But for now, the Range Rover looks like the only option.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10I'm just going to put a clamp on the vehicle and Rob's then going to give
0:20:10 > 0:20:12a bell to the defendants.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Tell him his time is up,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18and tell him we're going to remove the vehicle if it's not paid.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21The sheriffs have been at Motor Zone Trade for nearly two hours and
0:20:21 > 0:20:24they've run out of patience.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25All right, that's now clamped.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Nice car, but fair bit of damage to it.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30We've given him until two o'clock to make payment in full or we'll
0:20:30 > 0:20:33escalate now to removal.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Later, the Range Rover is in the air above their heads when there's
0:20:36 > 0:20:39dramatic last-minute development.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43No, no, no, no. You can't take my car. This is my car, this is my yard.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45We've left the letter with all our contact details...
0:20:45 > 0:20:47No, no, no, no. This is my car, my friend!
0:20:52 > 0:20:58The sheriffs never know what sort of welcome they'll get when they turn up at someone's front door.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02But High Court Enforcement Agents Jess Paton and Jamie Wykes are both
0:21:02 > 0:21:04former prison officers
0:21:04 > 0:21:08and reckon they can take just about any situation in their stride.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12We are looking for Mr Chris Sargent.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15We've got a debt of £1,210.30.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21Mr Sargent owes the money after refusing to pay for his new front door.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Simon Brook was the man hired to install it.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28He had recently decided on a career change
0:21:28 > 0:21:32and bought into a national door fitters' as a franchisee.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35It was a big decision.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It's the franchise fee that you have to pay upfront.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44I've also had to buy my own van and tools and kit myself out there.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49So it's not a decision that is taken lightly.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55Having taken the plunge, Simon was pleased when he started getting orders.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59One of the first was from Mr Sargent and Simon went along to measure up.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03He seemed a likeable fella.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05He lived in a nice house.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Me being interested in cars,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11noticed that he had got a nice Porche and she drove and Audi A5.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14I thought, "The money won't be a problem here."
0:22:15 > 0:22:19They agreed a date for it to be fitted and Simon ordered and paid
0:22:19 > 0:22:23for the bespoke door to be made up according to his new customer's specifications.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27When I came to fit the door,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Chris wasn't actually in but his partner was,
0:22:30 > 0:22:34and she seemed to be quite surprised that I was there but I said I'd made
0:22:34 > 0:22:38the appointment to come and see Chris
0:22:38 > 0:22:42and she said, "Oh, that's fine, yeah, go ahead with the door."
0:22:42 > 0:22:48She disappeared to walk the dogs and went horse riding.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53Simon continued with his work undeterred, and finished the job without any problems.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56It was a nice-looking door and...
0:22:56 > 0:23:00You know, I'd like to pride myself thinking I did a good job and it,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03and it looked nice when it was finished.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07When she returned, it seemed Mr Sargent's partner agreed.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12I said, "OK, if you're happy, I need to have payment, which was arranged,"
0:23:12 > 0:23:17and she said that needed to be done by Chris, who wasn't there.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21He was actually in London, but I should speak to him over the phone.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27They had agreed payment on completion, so Simon called Mr Sargent.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30He said he'd pay, but not in the way Simon expected.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32He said that he would send a cheque.
0:23:32 > 0:23:39I don't normally take cheque payments, but I reluctantly accepted that,
0:23:39 > 0:23:43and waited for the cheque payment to come.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44Come on.
0:23:44 > 0:23:50- Simon was soon reminded why he didn't want to accept a cheque in the first place.- Good girl.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52I waited about a week or so,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55contacted him and said, "I've not received a cheque."
0:23:55 > 0:24:00He seemed to be quite surprised and said that he would do a bank transfer
0:24:00 > 0:24:05and once again, nothing came of that.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Simon was out of pocket and it wasn't just a day's labour, either,
0:24:08 > 0:24:13because he'd paid hundreds of pounds to have the door made in the first place.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15He started to worry that his new venture was doomed.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18It made me very, very nervous.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20I hadn't been fitting doors for that long.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Cash flow was a little bit tight.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24I thought, "Is it worth me carrying on?"
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Because I can't afford to be giving a free door away.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33Simon contacted Mr Sargent several times, requesting payment,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35but despite the early promises, got nowhere.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41Feeling aggrieved, he decided that he wasn't going to let Mr Sargent get away with it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45I was getting more and more frustrated.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47I just fit a door and I expect to be paid for it.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52It's more about the principle that this guy
0:24:52 > 0:24:58was going to get away with not paying and that was at my expense.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59That rattled me.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04Simon took the case to court and the judgment was issued in his favour.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08But still there was no payment.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Even a visit from the court bailiffs made no difference.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16For Simon, there's now only one hope of getting what he is owed.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23Really at my wit's end and not expecting to get any money back,
0:25:23 > 0:25:28I've enlisted the sheriffs to come in and hopefully they can...
0:25:31 > 0:25:35..pick up my money and we can put an end to this long saga.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46In Cambridgeshire, Jess and Jamie are nearing Chris Sargent's house.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49They've been given the details of the two cars Simon saw,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51but it's not good news.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Unfortunately, they're both on finance,
0:25:53 > 0:25:57so we're going to have to basically turn up and hope that he's going to
0:25:57 > 0:25:59pay and we can get contact with someone.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03The sheriffs don't have power to force entry at residential addresses,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and without much in the way of leverage,
0:26:05 > 0:26:07they'll be relying on their powers of persuasion.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09It's not a massive amount on this one.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12We might get a payment there and then.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Otherwise, it's going to be a case of leaving a letter,
0:26:14 > 0:26:18give them 24 hours to pay and see if we get a phone call back from him.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23By the time they arrive, it's gone 9am and it doesn't look as if anyone's at home.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- There's nothing there.- Oh, sugar.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31But the sheriffs aren't about to give up that quickly.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Jess knocks on the as-yet-unpaid-for front door.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38But there's no answer.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43No, they're not in. There's about four Staffies in there going mental.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47The front door looks nice and new,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51but just to make sure they've got the right address, Jess checks with a neighbour.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Hello, my love. Sorry to bother you, I'm Mr Paton, High Court enforcement group.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59Just next door, do you happen to know if Chris Sargent lives next door, do you?
0:26:59 > 0:27:00I hate being this un-organised.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04It is the right address, so they leave a letter,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07giving Mr Sargent 24 hours to settle the debt.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10So there's not a lot more we can really do at the moment.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Just come back next week.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Deflated, the sheriffs leave, thinking they won't get Simon's money today.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21But just then, a man in a car waves them down.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- For a Mr Simon Brook?- What's it about?
0:27:24 > 0:27:26It's something to do with a door.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28That's all I know. That's all I've got.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30It's the debtor, Mr Sargent.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Someone's given him a phone call. He's shot back to his house.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Basically, he's asked what the matter's about.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38He's confirmed he's the defendant we're after.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40He's saying, "Look," he goes,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42"I'll pay it now, I'll transfer the funds now for you."
0:27:42 > 0:27:46Mr Sargent pulls away and parks outside his house.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49I'm just going back down to see him. I'm going to keep it at stage one.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51The simple reason is we're still here,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54basically and he's going to pay it straight away. He's not said "I'm not going to pay it".
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- He's in there.- He's going to pay it straight away.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Erm... So I'm going to go back down and speak to him and then get it sorted.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04But before Jamie can get out of the van, Mr Sargent's back.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10And he doesn't seem particularly happy to see our camera.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16We turn the camera away from Mr Sargent.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21No, you won't be knocking him out. That won't be happening.
0:28:23 > 0:28:24Yeah, well, don't... Don't...
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Then you should know better than to do that, shouldn't you?
0:28:26 > 0:28:28No, you should know better than to do that.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Actually, while we're here and while he's out on a public street, you can film. OK?
0:28:32 > 0:28:34I'll come around and speak to you.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36I'm not having this geezer...
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Eventually, Mr Sargent calms down
0:28:38 > 0:28:42and goes back to his house with Jamie to make the payment.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44The gentleman has now got a little bit agitated,
0:28:44 > 0:28:50obviously, because the cameras are here, making threats towards yourself, um,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53going on about he's been in the paras for 14 years.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54He should know better than to
0:28:54 > 0:28:57be making statements like that that he's going to knock you out,
0:28:57 > 0:28:59because that's not going to happen today, anyway,
0:28:59 > 0:29:05so Jamie's took him down there to take payment off of him and we'll see if he makes the payment now.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Jess's 25 years in the Prison Service have left
0:29:08 > 0:29:11him unfazed by confrontation.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13When people talk about what they're going to do,
0:29:13 > 0:29:15they're not normally going to do it.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19You learn to talk people down more, rather than let it escalate,
0:29:19 > 0:29:21just kill it stone dead.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Jamie returns and it sounds like good news.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Because he hasn't beat around the bush, he said, "Yeah, I'll pay it straightaway,"
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- we've got to keep it at stage one. - He's paid, has he?- Yes, he's paid it today.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33OK, terrific. Well, that's a result.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- It's a result, yeah.- Paid in full. - Paid in full.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Good to go. All right, good to go, mate.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40I was trying to distract him by taking him back down to his house,
0:29:40 > 0:29:42take him away from the situation and speak to him.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Which I did do. I got him down to his house.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47His wife even come out the window and said, "Why haven't you paid it?
0:29:47 > 0:29:50"You know, stop trying to mug people off, just get it paid."
0:29:50 > 0:29:54For Simon Brook, it is the relief he's been waiting for.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59After many sleepless nights and heartache and pain,
0:29:59 > 0:30:05and the genuine thought that my money had gone down the Old Kent Road,
0:30:05 > 0:30:09eventually, speedy results from the sheriffs, got paid,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12which was the initial delight.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15But also the delight that he'd not got away with it.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26When debtors can't pay on the spot...
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Are you going to pay the bill? - What do you mean, "No"?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32..the sheriffs won't always remove assets.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36Goods go for almost a fifth of their true value at auction and it's often
0:30:36 > 0:30:38better to agree a payment plan.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Do you reckon you can do 200 a week?
0:30:40 > 0:30:43They'll make a list of assets...
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- That's a nice motor.- Rice cookers.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Seven wrist bracelets.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49..and a Controlled Goods Agreement is signed,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53making it an offence for anyone else to remove them.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55You sign it, I sign it.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58The Sheriffs will only return to take the goods
0:30:58 > 0:31:00if the debtor fails to make payments.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02I've signed him for £1,000 a month.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Providing you stick to that, you won't hear from us again.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14High Court Enforcement Agents Rob and Gerald are at Motor Zone Trade
0:31:14 > 0:31:19in North London, trying to recover £2,599 from boss, Kamran Khalid.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Mr Khalid hasn't come to the yard.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25He has told the sheriffs he is on holiday.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30So far, he's only offered to pay part of the debt, but in a month's time.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Yeah, I can't accept the deal. As much as you want me to accept a deal,
0:31:33 > 0:31:35I can't accept a deal. It needs to be paid in full.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38The sheriffs have found a Range Rover in his yard,
0:31:38 > 0:31:40but he says it's not his.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44The onus is on him, however, to bring down the paperwork to prove it,
0:31:44 > 0:31:47and if he doesn't, the sheriffs are entitled to sell the vehicle
0:31:47 > 0:31:49to recover what he owes.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53I'm surprised nobody's turned up and I'm EXPECTING somebody to turn up.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Removing vehicles is expensive for debtors and a last resort for the
0:31:57 > 0:32:00sheriffs, but today there's no other option.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04I've phoned him, I've spoken to him, I've warned him, I've texted him,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06I've warned him. What else can I do?
0:32:06 > 0:32:07- I think he's had his time.- Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- Had nothing from him?- No, nothing at all.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- No response.- Shall we go for it?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- Yeah.- I will start filling out the removal form.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22As Gerald makes the call for the truck, Rob gets a message from Mr Khalid.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27The defendant has texted back offering to pay half the balance
0:32:27 > 0:32:32two weeks from now and the remaining half of the balance about a week or so after.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35It's a better offer than the one he made earlier,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37but it's still not very good.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Nevertheless, Rob calls the claimant and puts it to him.
0:32:40 > 0:32:41PHONE RINGS
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Hi, it's Rob Foster from the Sheriffs Office, it is.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49What he's offered is half the balance on 7th August, and half a couple of weeks later.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54The man who's owed the money isn't impressed either and turns it down.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56Absolutely. We assumed that was going to be the case.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59I just thought I'd run it past you just in case.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01We've got the Range Rover clamped at the moment and
0:33:01 > 0:33:03we've got recovery on the way to pick it up.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07We'll get this Range Rover gone for now and my office will send you a
0:33:07 > 0:33:09report in due course and we'll go from there.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12With the decision made and no further word from the debtor,
0:33:12 > 0:33:15all they have to do is wait for the truck to arrive.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- This could be our recovery. - You all right?- It is.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22And after a quick check around the vehicle...
0:33:22 > 0:33:24A crack in the rear lights. Scuffs on the bumper there, Gerald?
0:33:24 > 0:33:28All wheels are kerb-scuffed.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33The hooks are on, but before they can get the car in the air,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36there's a last-minute intervention.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40A man appears and tells the sheriffs they've got no right to be there.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- This is private premises.- We have a writ to enforce here, you see.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Without asking the owner, you no have a right to be here.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- We do with the writ, we can do it. - On the other side of gate, I'm afraid.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52We're just going to put this on, two minutes, and we'll be gone.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54That's it - finished. If you don't think we should be here,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58by all means you call the police and I'll show the police and they will say, "Yes, you CAN be here."
0:34:00 > 0:34:02He can't send the sheriffs to the other side of his gate,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04but he does ask our cameraman to leave.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08We film from the road,
0:34:08 > 0:34:12as 2.7 tonnes of Range Rover is craned out of its parking spot,
0:34:12 > 0:34:14then lowered on to the back of the low-loader.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Gerald and the driver try to get the car out of the yard as soon as possible.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24But at that very moment, a van pulls up right behind them.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Oh, who's this?
0:34:26 > 0:34:28It's the landlord -
0:34:28 > 0:34:31the man who's supposed to be 4,000 miles away in Abu Dhabi.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- Yeah, I'm the owner. - It seems he is not overseas at all.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38He's here. And he's blocked the truck in.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40This is MY car, because I left it.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- This is my yard and I left it for them to service.- Yeah.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- And this is a log book.- Yeah. - See?- Yeah.- This is my car.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49You can't take my car, my friend.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51We've left a letter with all our contact details on.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53No, no, no. This is my car, my friend.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55- Look, this is...look.- Yeah.- I'm the owner of the yard.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57He could have come here hours ago. It's always the same.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Once the truck comes and they get it on the back of the truck, then everything happens.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04The landlord's got a bundle full of documents
0:35:04 > 0:35:06that he thinks proves it's his car.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08The V5 is in his name,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11but it's common for dealers not to change it
0:35:11 > 0:35:13until selling the vehicle on.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- No, I'm the owner. I'm the owner. I can prove the receipt.- Hang on.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- I can prove the receipt. - Hang on.- OK.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21As it says there, "This document is not proof of ownership".
0:35:21 > 0:35:23But I'm the owner, I can prove the invoice for you.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- Yeah? Well, you'll have to prove that to the courts.- But this is...
0:35:26 > 0:35:29It's a difficult situation for the Sheriffs.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31They have no option but to continue,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35unless the man can provide concrete evidence that the car is still his
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- and with the paperwork he brought, he can't do that.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42He's still refusing to let the truck leave.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44You are now committing a criminal offence
0:35:44 > 0:35:46by obstructing an Enforcement Agent
0:35:46 > 0:35:47in the execution of a High Court writ.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- You're taking my car.- The only way to stop this at the moment
0:35:50 > 0:35:53- is by speaking to Mr Khalid and getting him to settle it. - It's a stand-off.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Rob's already spent most of his day at the garage
0:35:56 > 0:35:58and is in no mood to stay any longer.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00He gets on to the police.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Essentially, we just need somebody to get him to move his vehicle.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06As far as we're concerned, that car's staying on the back and that car's going.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10May well as well switch the engine off, then. We'll have to wait for the police.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13The landlord's V5 didn't do the trick.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15But he's got one more piece of evidence.
0:36:15 > 0:36:16Look, I show you.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- Oh...- Look.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22I went for my knee operation, as well.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Gerald doesn't know much about knees,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27but he does know a thing or two about High Court enforcement,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31and with the police on the way, he tries to get the man to see sense.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33To me, you look a good gentleman.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35What I wouldn't want you to do, sir,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38is for you now to end up dropping yourself in it
0:36:38 > 0:36:39and getting in a little bit of trouble
0:36:39 > 0:36:41because of what's happened here.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- The police are on the way down now. - You've got to understand,
0:36:46 > 0:36:49if the police turn up, you could end up being arrested for this.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59The only way the Sheriffs will allow the car off the truck now
0:36:59 > 0:37:01is for the debt to be paid in full,
0:37:01 > 0:37:04and the landlord suddenly has a bright idea.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07It's OK, it's OK. I'll pay the money. How much he owes you?
0:37:08 > 0:37:10I can't ask you to pay the money.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12No, no, please I'd rather...
0:37:12 > 0:37:14How much? Please.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16How much, how much money? How much money?
0:37:16 > 0:37:20The man's offering to pay the debt on Mr Khalid's behalf.
0:37:20 > 0:37:26But with the truck here, the bill's gone up from the initial £2,599.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31The balance at the moment is £4,226.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33He hasn't got the cash,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35but makes a card payment for the full amount.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38I didn't want to go through all this court problem.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43I caught up in such a situation, where I had to lose over £4,000.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Whether I'm going to get it or not,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49it's better than losing my car over £10,000.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50I was a bit nervous
0:37:50 > 0:37:55and I was a bit upset for my car and sorry for causing you a problem.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58The Range Rover is gently lowered back to earth
0:37:58 > 0:38:00and there are smiles all round.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01- All right, no worries. - THEY LAUGH
0:38:01 > 0:38:05The landlord is no doubt planning on asking his tenant for the return
0:38:05 > 0:38:08of his £4,226.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11He's now had his vehicle back,
0:38:11 > 0:38:15lots of handshakes and hugs, very happy man, all sorted.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17The claimant will now be refunded
0:38:17 > 0:38:19for the faulty car he bought from Mr Khalid.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38High Court Enforcement Agents Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally
0:38:38 > 0:38:40are in North West London,
0:38:40 > 0:38:44on their way to a travel agents specialising in discount flights
0:38:44 > 0:38:45and tour packages.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50We're in Harrow. We're going to EmailFlights.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Looking for £1,905.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57I believe this is a compensation claim.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02The claimant in this case had been organising a trip to Mexico.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06EmailFlights took his cash and booked him on to a flight.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08But when he went to check in,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12there was no record of the booking and no seat in his name.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16He had to buy another one and that cost him double the original price.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18When he claimed compensation,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20EmailFlights didn't contest the case
0:39:20 > 0:39:23and a judgment was made in his favour.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26But he still hasn't got his money, and that's why Lawrence and Kev
0:39:26 > 0:39:29are dropping in on the travel agents.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36Given the company's name,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Kev reckons he's worked out exactly what EmailFlights
0:39:39 > 0:39:41will have in the way of assets.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- They'll have a computer. - Mm.- Just one computer.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47And an e-mail address.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52That's about it, really. Maybe a chair.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Kev does the research.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Lawrence drives the van. That's how we roll.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00In the words of Manuel, the late, great Andrew Sachs,
0:40:00 > 0:40:01"I know nothing".
0:40:02 > 0:40:04As they approach their destination,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Lawrence and Kev once again prove their slick teamwork.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11- Where are we going? - Just over there somewhere.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13It's that second one in, innit?
0:40:13 > 0:40:14The glass-fronted place?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Contrary to Kev's earlier predictions,
0:40:17 > 0:40:20EmailFlights looks like a well-established business
0:40:20 > 0:40:23with a proper shop front on a busy high street in Harrow.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28But finding somewhere to park is never easy in London.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30I did research parking, funnily enough,
0:40:30 > 0:40:33but Lawrence is dithering and missed all the spaces!
0:40:33 > 0:40:34HE GIGGLES
0:40:34 > 0:40:38- We've just gone round in a big loop. - Back in that same road, yeah.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41I'll go in there and I'll leave you in the van. Temporarily.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Yeah, I'll give you a shout if I need you. It's...
0:40:48 > 0:40:49I've left Kev in the van,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52cos I've had to park quite awkwardly...
0:40:52 > 0:40:55And I'll, I'll give him a shout if we need him.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Ah. Ah, here it is.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10Morning, who's in charge?
0:41:14 > 0:41:15Upstairs?
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Lawrence quickly takes up the invitation to go upstairs
0:41:18 > 0:41:21to their offices before anyone can change their minds.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Sorry?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25We've done it, cos I just asked you who's in charge
0:41:25 > 0:41:28and you said to me upstairs, so I'll go upstairs.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Hello there.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31You're in charge, yeah?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33You're in charge, sir?
0:41:35 > 0:41:37My name's Mr Grix.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39I'm an Enforcement Agent.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41I've got a High Court writ
0:41:41 > 0:41:44to enforce against EmailFlights in favour of a Mr...
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Our cameraman is asked to leave, so he does,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50and 20 minutes later, Lawrence follows.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54EmailFlights has paid the debt in full.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58That went very well. They knew about the case, they were aware of it.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59They've actually phoned the court
0:41:59 > 0:42:01and they're trying to take it back to court,
0:42:01 > 0:42:04their argument being it's the airline that should've paid
0:42:04 > 0:42:07the compensation and the airline that should've been sued.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Regardless of any disagreement between the airline
0:42:10 > 0:42:11and the travel agent,
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Lawrence's job is to execute the High Court writ
0:42:14 > 0:42:16and get the claimant the money he's owed,
0:42:16 > 0:42:20and as far as he's concerned, it's job done.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23They've basically just paid online with the card for the full amount
0:42:23 > 0:42:25to get rid of me today
0:42:25 > 0:42:27and they're going to seek independent legal advice
0:42:27 > 0:42:29over what they can do next.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32Yeah, all in all, another paid in full.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33Happy days, on to the next one.
0:42:35 > 0:42:36EmailFlights told us: