0:00:02 > 0:00:03- Meet the sheriffs. - My name's Mr Gricks.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07We're here with a High Court order today.
0:00:07 > 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 > 0:00:17- 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 > 0:00:25You've got 30 minutes to make the payment.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Then we'll start removing stuff from the building.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30You'll have a week to pay in full before it gets sold at auction.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Obstructing their work can be a criminal offence.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35I wouldn't do that if I were you.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- Don't lie to me.- No mess tins.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Every year, sheriffs in England and Wales
0:00:40 > 0:00:44recover unpaid debts totalling more than £18 million.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Coming up,
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Rob and Gerald have a debt to recover,
0:00:51 > 0:00:55and don't intend to let a locked door get in their way.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Oh. I'm starting to worry about your background.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02When Sam Peacock supplied a farmer with lighting
0:01:02 > 0:01:05for his pheasant pens, he didn't get the payment he was due.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08I said, "I'm going to have to take you to court if you don't pay me."
0:01:08 > 0:01:10He said, "Do what you've got to do."
0:01:10 > 0:01:13So Mike and Billy head to the country to track down the debtor.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14I've got a High Court writ.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18At the moment, the balance outstanding is £9,287.
0:01:18 > 0:01:19Would you like to go away?
0:01:19 > 0:01:24Lawrence is pursuing a Spanish airline for unpaid compensation.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27But it's siesta time, and payment's delayed again.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29I'm not here to wait an hour and 45 minutes
0:01:29 > 0:01:33so somebody can come off their lunch break in Spain and make a payment.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36And while Jon smartens up...
0:01:36 > 0:01:38Tommy turns up the heat.
0:01:38 > 0:01:412,688.50.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43How would you like to pay that?
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Today, High Court enforcement agents Billy Evans and Mike Perkins
0:01:52 > 0:01:54are heading out of the city
0:01:54 > 0:01:57to a remote location in the Essex countryside.
0:02:01 > 0:02:07This morning, we're off to Braintree to speak to a Mr Patrick Gardner.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08We believe it's a farm.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Certainly, where we are now, it's quite rural,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13so it's looking good.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Billy's been doing his homework.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19It looks as if the farm in question specialises in a particular pastime
0:02:19 > 0:02:23synonymous with an English country way of life.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25They breed, erm...
0:02:25 > 0:02:26- birds.- Pheasants.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Pheasants, to be precise.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Mr Gardner failed to settle an invoice for lighting equipment
0:02:32 > 0:02:35that was fitted in his pheasants' breeding pens.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37The debt's just over £9,000.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Obviously, we're hoping to go there and find some farm machinery...
0:02:42 > 0:02:44..possibly some livestock.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47For Mike, country sports like shooting, stalking and hunting
0:02:47 > 0:02:51are things that he's grown up around, and enjoys.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53I don't mind a bit of pheasant shooting.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55My dad used to have a pheasant shoot.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00He also is a deerstalker, so, yeah, I've been brought up around game,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04eating, obviously, rabbit, venison, pigeon.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Billy's happy tracking down people who owe money
0:03:08 > 0:03:10and getting them to pay,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13but when it comes to blood sports, he's a bit more squeamish.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16I'm quite soft inside when it comes to that kind of stuff.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18I don't mind a bit of fishing.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Catch the fish, take them home, eat them.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24But, yeah, not a fan of killing things.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28But when Mike thinks about game, he thinks about his dinner.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31I like a bit of pheasant casserole. That's a nice one.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Big, chunky carrots in it, some big potatoes,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37new potatoes. Yeah, lovely.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40And at least you know where your meat's come from, as well.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Patrick Gardner was taken to court by electrician Sam Peacock,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52who supplied the lighting for his pheasant pens.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57Sam first met Mr Gardner at a shoot organised by Mr Gardner himself.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00My friends and I go to quite a few sort of shoot days
0:04:00 > 0:04:02to different places up and down the country.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06There's quite a lot of banter in it, and it's a good social life,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08and it's a great day out, really.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13That shoot has stuck in Sam's memory for more than one reason.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15We had a good day when we were out shooting.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Everyone had a good laugh - it was a well organised day.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20I treated my girlfriend's dad, at the time,
0:04:20 > 0:04:22and while I was there, I actually asked him
0:04:22 > 0:04:24if I could have her hand in marriage.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26I'm not sure it was a great idea to ask him
0:04:26 > 0:04:28while he had a gun in his hand, but...
0:04:28 > 0:04:30he didn't shoot me, so it was all good!
0:04:31 > 0:04:35Emma's father gave his approval, and Sam was delighted.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40On the same day, he also met Patrick Gardner for the first time.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42He seemed a nice enough guy.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46He produces eggs for pheasants, so he has big lines of pens
0:04:46 > 0:04:50where the birds sit on the eggs, or lay the eggs.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52He wanted the light to come on earlier in the day
0:04:52 > 0:04:54and later on in the evening.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57It increases the production by about 50%.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00A week later, and by now officially engaged to Emma,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04electrician Sam went round to see Mr Gardner
0:05:04 > 0:05:05to quote for the work.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08He decided that he'd like to do all of the labour himself,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11and I'd just supply the parts to him, which is what we did.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13We got them delivered over to his,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15he fitted it all over, and we went over there,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18and just sort of checked everything was working,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20and he was completely happy when we left the job.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23It was a good deal for Mr Gardner.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26But there wasn't much profit in it for Sam.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Wasn't making a big amount of money out of doing it,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31it was almost, really, as a favour to him.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I can use my discount with my wholesalers to get it cheaper
0:05:34 > 0:05:36than what he could get it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40I make a couple of hundred quid, save him some money, but, yeah,
0:05:40 > 0:05:41didn't work out quite like that.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Sam paid for the lighting equipment up front,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50so when he submitted his invoice, he expected prompt payment.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54After I first sent him the invoice, the first 30 days rolled by.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56I sent him an e-mail, he said he was happy with everything.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00The new lamps are in, they're all working fine.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02So, I just sent him another reminder e-mail.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06He never responded, so I started to ring him up.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09He'd then promise, "Oh, I've got some money coming in,
0:06:09 > 0:06:10"I'll pay you on Friday."
0:06:10 > 0:06:13And then, "I'll pay you on Monday" and then a week later it'd be,
0:06:13 > 0:06:14"Oh, I'll pay you next week."
0:06:14 > 0:06:17I think I had to ring him about 12 times in one day
0:06:17 > 0:06:19to get him to answer the phone.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21It just never came - I never received anything.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Sam says the debt has put his business at risk.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27It's been a real issue, financially, with cash flow.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Running a small business is tough as it is.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36Dealing with the cash flow, employing people, paying suppliers,
0:06:36 > 0:06:37and I've had to put them on credit cards,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and I've been paying interest on them credit cards,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43because the money that should have been there in 30 days -
0:06:43 > 0:06:44it's been nearly a year.
0:06:45 > 0:06:46Pull.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51GUNSHOT
0:06:52 > 0:06:56His fiancee, Emma, says it has taken its toll on Sam.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57Sam's been quite frustrated.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59It was quite a lot of money
0:06:59 > 0:07:02for his business to have to cope with not having.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06And so he's found it very stressful.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09You kind of expect that everyone is the same as you are,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11in the way that...
0:07:11 > 0:07:16if you have some work done or buy some parts, you pay for them.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21In desperation, Sam called Patrick Gardner and gave him an ultimatum.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25I said "I'm going to have to take you to court if you don't pay me."
0:07:25 > 0:07:28And he said, "Do what you've got to do."
0:07:28 > 0:07:31So, reluctantly, Sam did just that.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33I wasn't really sure what to expect.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38In the end, it was just myself and the judge in the room -
0:07:38 > 0:07:39there was no-one else in there.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Mr Gardner didn't attend the hearing,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44but claimed that the money was owed not by him personally,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48but by a limited company which had since been dissolved.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51But Sam said he had no dealings with any company,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53only with Mr Gardner.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54At the point that I quoted,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58he was quite happy just to do it between us two.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02I didn't even know the company was in existence.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06The judgment went in Sam's favour, but the money still didn't arrive.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11So he's decided to call in the sheriffs.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13I'd seen the programme on the telly, actually,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16and how well and easily they get their money.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19They've got the power just to go in there and take it,
0:08:19 > 0:08:23rather than endless letters and 30 days here and 60 days there.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26I'm confident that they will be able to do it.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29If they can't, I don't really know where I'm going to go from there.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35Sam's fiancee, Emma, has a special heartfelt plea for the sheriffs.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38I just hope that the sheriffs can finally get the money
0:08:38 > 0:08:40that Sam is owed back to him.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41It's taken a long time,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45and I'd just like to have happy Sam back again.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48The amount owed, including fees, is...
0:08:56 > 0:08:58It's right here where that sign is.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01The sheriffs are approaching Patrick Gardner's farm,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03and are on the lookout for assets they can remove.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Here we go. There's a Range Rover straight ahead.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09An old army four-tonner.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11There's also a Mercedes convertible
0:09:11 > 0:09:14parked outside one of the farm buildings.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19As they pull up and get out of the van, a man appears.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Hello, sir, I'm looking for a Patrick Gardner.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23It's Mr Gardner himself.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26He asks the sheriffs if they can come back another time.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29We won't be coming back another time, sir, sorry.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32He says he has a meeting, and can't see them today.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35We're here on a High Court writ, sir.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40Mr Gardner may have a meeting, but if he doesn't pay the money he owes,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42the sheriffs will start removing assets.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Hi, sir, so what it is, we're High Court enforcement agents.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- Are you Patrick Gardner? - Yes.- You are?
0:09:49 > 0:09:50Right, I've got a High Court writ.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54At the moment, the balance outstanding is £9,287.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57This came through when I was away...
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- Right.- ..and I've actually written down today
0:10:00 > 0:10:03all the bits and pieces, cos it's going to be appealed.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Mr Gardner says he's applying to get the judgment set aside,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11which, if successful, would mean the case having to be re-heard.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13But that won't stop today's enforcement.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- Right, OK.- That's fine, sir, but we're still here
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- on a High Court writ. - Well, it might be a High Court writ.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Would you like to go away?
0:10:21 > 0:10:24At this point, Mr Gardner asks our cameraman
0:10:24 > 0:10:27to stop filming and to leave, which he does.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Right, leave my property, then.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Mr Gardner says the money is owed by a limited company
0:10:32 > 0:10:34that has since been dissolved.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36But the sheriffs have a High Court writ
0:10:36 > 0:10:38directly against Mr Gardner,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40and not against the now dissolved company.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Mike and Billy are demanding payment in full.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45The gentleman's a bit reluctant to pay at the minute.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49He's advised that he's trying to get the judgment set aside,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52so, therefore, he doesn't want to make a full payment.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54The sheriffs are becoming impatient.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57They give Mr Gardner a 40-minute deadline to pay up,
0:10:57 > 0:10:59or they'll start removing assets.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Mike starts to count down the time using his smartphone.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Yeah, it's quite effective, cos he does get his phone out,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08and kind of shove it in people's faces,
0:11:08 > 0:11:10so he's really shown the gentleman, just a minute ago,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14that the timer is set, and he's already a minute into it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Mr Gardner goes back into his meeting,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19but a short while later, he reappears.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22We've had a discussion, gone round in circles again,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24but he has decided to make the payment.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26That's where we are at the moment.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29He's looking now at, obviously, getting the funds together
0:11:29 > 0:11:31so he can make the transfer.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36We've had two gentlemen come up to us today, got a bit funny with us,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40the usual stuff that we get, "How do you sleep at night?"
0:11:40 > 0:11:43"You're the scum of the earth." Obviously, we've spoken to them,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46and told them, look, end of the day, we're just here doing a job,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49and if people paid their bills, then we wouldn't be here.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Yeah, it's calm and relaxed at the moment.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53We're just, obviously, waiting on the defendant now
0:11:53 > 0:11:55to make the payment.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Shortly after the 40-minute deadline expires,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02the payment in full is completed.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04We've had a cracking result today.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07We've had a payment in full within 40-50 minutes,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10nine grand paid, bank transfer,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13and then £200 and something in cash, weren't it?
0:12:13 > 0:12:15£287 cash.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Job done, get onto the next one.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22As for the pheasants, they've wisely kept their heads down.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27We saw one pheasant, that was on the way in.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30But apparently he had 30,000 somewhere,
0:12:30 > 0:12:31but where, I don't know.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36The successful enforcement is good news for Sam Peacock.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39More than a year after he first met Patrick Gardner,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42he's finally got the money he's owed in full.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46I'd like to thank the sheriffs for going in and helping me out
0:12:46 > 0:12:49and collecting my money. They did a great job.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52They've managed to retrieve all the money that was owed to me.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54I've been able to pay off my suppliers,
0:12:54 > 0:12:58and my cash flow's gone back down to where it should be.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02And it's a happy ending all round for Sam, because, 12 months on,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05he's not only got the money, he's also tied the knot.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- We've got married.- We got married at a church in the village...
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- At a church.- ..where...
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I've been brought up in the village next to here.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The reception was at my parents' house, so it was nice and local.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19We had a good day, so...
0:13:19 > 0:13:20glad we did that!
0:13:20 > 0:13:22SHE LAUGHS
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Patrick Gardner told us...
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Using the county courts to try and recover money you're owed
0:13:36 > 0:13:37isn't difficult.
0:13:37 > 0:13:421.5 million money claims are paid every year in England and Wales,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44involving anything from faulty goods
0:13:44 > 0:13:48or poor workmanship to unpaid invoices.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Claims can be filed online or by post for a small fee.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Both parties in the case will be asked to submit evidence,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57and you may have to attend a court hearing.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01If you're successful, a County Court Judgment, or CCJ,
0:14:01 > 0:14:03will be issued against the debtor.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07If they still don't pay, that's when you call the sheriffs.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Today, High Court enforcement agents Rob Foster and Gerald Anderson
0:14:15 > 0:14:19are pursuing a debt at a London car dealer.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21It's likely there will be plenty of assets available
0:14:21 > 0:14:25to help clear the debt, but Rob and Gerald know from experience
0:14:25 > 0:14:29that establishing who owns those assets isn't always easy.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33So, this morning, we're heading down to SK Motors in west London.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37They sold a vehicle to our claimant.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40It turned out to be a faulty vehicle -
0:14:40 > 0:14:41gearbox had failed on it.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44The car broke down after three days,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48so the buyer returned it to the dealer and demanded his money back.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52He didn't get it, so he took SK Motors to court.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54A judgment was issued against them,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56but the claimant still didn't get his money back,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00so the sheriffs have been called in to recover the debt.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01Today, SK Motors owes...
0:15:06 > 0:15:08We're going to see if we can find SK Motors,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10and see what assets they've got,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13see if they're willing to pay it in full to avoid a removal.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Should be right over there somewhere.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21The right address is easy to find,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24but the sign says AK, and not SK Motors.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- What Motors is it?- AK Motors.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30To confuse matters further, there's also a website address,
0:15:30 > 0:15:33and that says SK Motors.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35The sheriffs park outside and go into the premises
0:15:35 > 0:15:38to find out who's really trading here.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Two or three of these cars would easily cover the debt,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46but only if they belong to the debtor company, SK Motors.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50The sheriffs have been given a name for the owner of SK Motors,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53a Mr Mohammed Ishtiaq.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54Hello, sir, you all right?
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I'm an enforcement agent from the sheriffs' office.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01I was looking for a Mohammed Ishtiaq...
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Yeah, of SK Motors. Is he about?
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Can you get hold of him on the phone?
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Yeah? You've got his number, have you?
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Do you want to try and give him a ring, explain we're here,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16see if you can speak to him? Cos this is his business, isn't it?
0:16:16 > 0:16:19The man seems to know Mr Ishtiaq, and agrees to call him.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24Meanwhile, Gerald is doing a bit of detective work.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27The S has been changed to an A.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29You can see that the A has been hand painted on.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32It's been a quick change.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35The new sign isn't very convincing.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39And there's more evidence that SK Motors is still here.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43You can see an outline of the S there, underneath the A.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Gerald spots some intriguing paperwork through the office window.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52There's also credit card receipts in the window there.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54All done with SK Motors, Rob.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00The man on the forecourt hands the phone to Rob. It's the boss.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04He's insistent SK Motors is no longer trading here.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Yeah, but all the receipt tills and stuff, as of a couple of days ago,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10that we can see through the window at reception,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12are all still in the name of SK Motors.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Is there anything in the office, any paperwork in the office,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17proving that it's AK Motors at the address?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Rob wants to know who owns the cars.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Can you provide all the purchase invoices for the vehicles, etc?
0:17:23 > 0:17:26The man on the phone doesn't seem able to provide any paperwork,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30but he does insist the cars belong to AK Motors.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Rob is not convinced.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33You can say that, I understand that,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37but we've seen no proof to that effect.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39We believe SK Motors is still trading at the address.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41In situations like this,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44the sheriffs are entitled to take control of goods
0:17:44 > 0:17:47they reasonably believe belong to the debtor.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50The onus is on the debtor to prove otherwise,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52and stop the goods being removed,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54and that's the bombshell Rob's about to drop.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59We're going to take a couple of the vehicles. All right?
0:17:59 > 0:18:01We'll leave... Yeah, we'll take a couple of the vehicles.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03We'll leave you the relevant documentation.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06The man on the phone doesn't sound happy.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09I can assure you I can. We will remove vehicles now.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Unless this is either paid, or we receive proof of ownership
0:18:13 > 0:18:14for every vehicle here.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18The truth is, Rob doesn't want to remove any assets.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20He's hoping the threat of removal
0:18:20 > 0:18:23will be enough to persuade the man on the phone to pay the debt.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29The sheriffs are entitled to do a diligent search
0:18:29 > 0:18:30of a debtor's premises,
0:18:30 > 0:18:34so while Rob's laying down the law, Gerald's looking for evidence.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38It's not long before he finds more paperwork
0:18:38 > 0:18:41confirming the sheriffs' suspicions.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42- Rob?- Yeah?
0:18:42 > 0:18:47There's an invoice here from Euro Car Parts to SK Motors.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50For Rob, it's the final straw.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Right, OK. Today, at this time, all goods are going to be removed.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55We've just found a delivery invoice
0:18:55 > 0:18:58for parts delivered to SK Motors today.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Yeah. You're still trading as SK, so all goods are going to be removed
0:19:01 > 0:19:03unless this balance is settled.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07He's claiming that SK Motors is no longer at the address,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10and it's all AK Motors Ealing, and it's all his company.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13But he won't give me his name, he won't give me his details,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15just states that he's away at the moment,
0:19:15 > 0:19:19but will be sending through proof in due course.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Obviously, Mr Anderson has now found relevant paperwork
0:19:22 > 0:19:25showing that the defendant company is still receiving goods here.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28So, at this time, we're perfectly happy to continue.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33Later, the sheriffs set about removing three cars.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- This is all right. It's a 59 plate. - Grand and a half, two grand?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40But the keys are locked away in the office.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42I've tried pressing them with different numbers, but, er...
0:19:44 > 0:19:45..no joy.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Compensation for flight delays has become a hot consumer topic.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59Under EU rules,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02airline passengers may be entitled to make a claim
0:20:02 > 0:20:05if their flight is delayed for more than three hours, or cancelled.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09If the airline doesn't pay what's due,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11the claim can be pursued through the courts.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15If they still don't pay, the sheriffs can be called in.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16Today, Rob has teamed up
0:20:16 > 0:20:19with High Court enforcement agent Lawrence Gricks,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22and they've got a few travel problems of their own.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26I try and avoid driving in central London
0:20:26 > 0:20:28during the day as much as I can.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33If I'm coming into central London, I'll try and get in there early,
0:20:33 > 0:20:34or maybe a bit later in the day.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39Ideally, missing either sides of the rush hour in the day itself.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Lawrence and Rob are heading to the UK offices
0:20:43 > 0:20:47of Spain's third-largest airline, Air Europa.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50The airline was taken to court after failing to pay compensation
0:20:50 > 0:20:52to a group of passengers.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55They were delayed for four and a half hours
0:20:55 > 0:20:58on a flight back to the UK after a holiday in Majorca.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Today, Air Europa owes a total of...
0:21:05 > 0:21:08The airline's UK office is in Chelsea Harbour,
0:21:08 > 0:21:09but getting there isn't easy,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12because the roads around the harbour
0:21:12 > 0:21:14are intended for permit holders only.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Just go up to the barrier and say you've got a High Court writ.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21A passing moped finds a quick way round the security barrier.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Or get on your moped.- I'll do that.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Rob's going to have to do it the hard way.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Hello, yeah. We've got a high...
0:21:28 > 0:21:30We've got a High Court writ to enforce.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31We're heading to the boulevard.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35The sheriffs normally expect - and get - access all areas.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Yeah, we've got a High Court writ to enforce.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39But Rob isn't having much luck
0:21:39 > 0:21:42with the man operating the security barrier.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Yes, no, I understand that.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46We've got a High Court writ that allows us entry.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52He isn't letting them in.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Completing the journey on foot looks like the easiest option.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58All right, I can't hear what you're saying, anyway, so...
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Parking's a nightmare,
0:22:04 > 0:22:08so Rob drops Lawrence off to go and enforce the writ.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- We're here at the moment. - Right, yeah, I've got it.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Go up. Go up to the water and turn right,
0:22:13 > 0:22:14and then come back on yourself.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Yeah. Straight across that roundabout,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19and straight over there. Should say about 260 yards, or something.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21It sounds straightforward,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and Lawrence is confident he'll be there in no time.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Four minutes. 0.2 miles.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29I'm sure I can walk that far.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31All right, mate, see you in a minute.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Lawrence is using an app on his phone specially designed
0:22:34 > 0:22:36to make sure he doesn't get lost.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38At least that's the idea.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41I appear to be going the wrong direction at the moment.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47He seems to be going round in circles.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49I don't seem to be getting any closer at the moment!
0:22:51 > 0:22:53What should have been an easy stroll round the harbour
0:22:53 > 0:22:55is becoming a marathon.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Finally, he finds the office block
0:23:02 > 0:23:04that's the London home to Air Europa.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06No, not the easiest of places to find.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Hopefully, we're in... A-ha. There we go.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Hello, my name's Mr Gricks. I'm an enforcement agent.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16I have a High Court writ to execute against Air Europa.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21There's no response from the intercom,
0:23:21 > 0:23:22so Lawrence tries the door.
0:23:24 > 0:23:25He's in.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Now all Lawrence needs to do is find suite eight,
0:23:28 > 0:23:29the Air Europa office.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34After all that walking, he decides to take the lift.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37But it's one of those days.
0:23:37 > 0:23:38The lift doesn't appear to be working,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40so I'm going to go up the stairs. I've got no...
0:23:40 > 0:23:43No idea which floor suite eight's on.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46It'd be too simple for it to be on the eighth floor, I suppose, but...
0:23:46 > 0:23:47Looks like we've got to walk.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51This enforcement business can be an uphill struggle sometimes.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Finally, Air Europa.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Who's in charge? I'm an enforcement agent.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04I've got a High Court writ to execute
0:24:04 > 0:24:07against Air Europa Lineas Aereas.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Somebody's aware of it, because they e-mailed us about it.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Air Europa has been in touch with the sheriffs
0:24:15 > 0:24:19promising to make a payment in full, but the money hasn't arrived.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Somebody said they were going to pay it yesterday, and they didn't.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23I've checked before I've come here,
0:24:23 > 0:24:25and it hasn't been paid today, either.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29The sheriff's office had given the airline seven days to pay the debt,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33but they didn't, and that's why Lawrence is here.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37- Right, well, the amount is £1,745.22.- Yeah.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40I need to be able to see it in our account before I leave this office.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41Yeah.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42Lawrence is shown to a waiting room,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45but he's hoping there won't be too much actual waiting involved.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Right.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53But they're doing it now...
0:24:53 > 0:24:57The payment's due to be made from Air Europa's head office in Spain,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00but there's a delay, and when Lawrence gets wind of it,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03he's far from impressed.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06It seems the only person who can authorise the payment
0:25:06 > 0:25:09is not at his desk - he's on his lunch break.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12I'm not here to wait for somebody to have lunch in Spain.
0:25:16 > 0:25:17Looking for what?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23So, there's only one person that can do it, is there?
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Yeah, but I've been here 50 minutes now.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35I'm not here to wait for somebody to have their lunch in Spain.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Another 20 minutes, and Lawrence is still waiting.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47The company's UK director, a Mr Colin Stewart,
0:25:47 > 0:25:49suddenly appears, and he's got an update.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52How are you doing?
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- Colin Stewart, director.- All right, mate?- Are you all right?- Yeah.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Just an update from Arturo, he's spoken to head office.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Well, that's not good enough. I've been here for an hour now.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I'm not here to wait an hour and 45 minutes
0:26:14 > 0:26:16so somebody can come off their lunch break in Spain
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and make a payment. Somebody needs to make the payment.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21We're chasing them. We want to get it done.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23We want to get it paid. It's going to be paid.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25It's just literally the person is not there.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26And so they'll be back in 45 minutes,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28and they'll have the payment...
0:26:28 > 0:26:30So there's only one person that can make it?
0:26:30 > 0:26:32You, as director in this country, haven't got...
0:26:32 > 0:26:34- Not the authority. - ..the authority to make a payment?
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Not for the customer service claims.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40That's done by head office in Spain,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43but it will be done, and it's going to be paid,
0:26:43 > 0:26:44and so it's just a matter of...
0:26:44 > 0:26:46That's the earliest we can get that done, so...
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Two-hour lunch breaks in Spain, then.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Clearly.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53The only reason Lawrence is here at all
0:26:53 > 0:26:58is because the airline has failed to pay the compensation that's due.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00As to whose fault that is,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03it seems the blame for the plane lies mainly in Spain.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08We are happy to pay for this claim that's been put through to us.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Here in the UK, we look after the commercial side of the business,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14not necessarily the claims side of it,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16which is done in our head office.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19And so the team's working hard here today to speak with head office
0:27:19 > 0:27:22to get this resolved as soon as possible.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Half an hour later, confirmation finally comes through.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- Is it done?- It is done.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35Lunchtime is officially over, and payment has been made in full.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Yeah, that's in. Full receipt, it is.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- Right. Thank you very much for speeding them up.- Thank you.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44And I'll write out the receipt.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Sorry to have kept you waiting, but at least it's done now.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Yeah, all done, lovely.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52It's taken an hour and a half,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55but Lawrence's job is done, and he can now leave...
0:27:55 > 0:27:58as soon as he can remember the way out.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59Where's the stairs?
0:28:01 > 0:28:05That was fairly straightforward, if not a bit time-consuming.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09I believe it was siesta time, because it took an hour and a half.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12The director at this end actually personally chased, in the end,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14to get the payment done,
0:28:14 > 0:28:16so, it was longer than I'd have liked to have been there,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19but at the end of the day, it was fairly straightforward.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22All we just had to do was sit and wait for the money.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26For the passengers whose flight home was badly delayed, it's good news.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30They've now received the compensation they're owed in full.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44If you've won a county court judgment and haven't been paid,
0:28:44 > 0:28:49for £66, you can get the case transferred up to the High Court,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53which will issue a writ for enforcement by the sheriffs.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Hello? I'm an enforcement agent. I'm enforcing a High Court writ.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58I'm here just to execute the court order.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01They've got more powers than county court bailiffs.
0:29:01 > 0:29:02We're going to force entry into the shop
0:29:02 > 0:29:04in about the next 10, 15 minutes.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07I have the right under the writ to investigate.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10If you obstruct myself or my colleague,
0:29:10 > 0:29:12it is a criminal offence.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15And there's no limit to the size of the debts they can pursue.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19£14 million - it's the largest job I've ever done.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22You can pay directly into our account from Spain.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23If they're successful,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27they will recover your money and costs from the debtor...
0:29:27 > 0:29:28- Thanks.- Thank you.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31..as well as their own fees that are set by the Government.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35It was that amount there until half past five.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37I don't stand here for three hours for nothing.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39If the sheriffs can't get your money,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43they'll ask you to pay a fee of £75 plus VAT.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Back in west London, enforcement agents Rob Foster
0:29:51 > 0:29:59and Gerald Anderson are pursuing SK Motors for an unpaid debt of £2,353.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05The owner is refusing to pay, and says his business is AK Motors,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07and nothing to do with SK Motors.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13He's claiming that SK Motors is no longer at the address,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16and it's all AK Motors Ealing, and it's all his company.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Rob and Gerald aren't convinced.
0:30:19 > 0:30:20The S has been changed to an A.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24You can see that the A has been hand painted on.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26It's been a quick change.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Mr Anderson has now found relevant paperwork
0:30:28 > 0:30:32showing that the defendant company is still receiving goods here,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34so I've given him one last chance to either settle the matter,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36or we'll be removing goods.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39It looks as if the debt isn't going to be paid.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42So the sheriffs are planning to take control of assets.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46The plan is to remove cars and sell them at a public auction.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Firstly, Rob and Gerald need to be sure the cars they remove
0:30:50 > 0:30:52will cover not only the debt,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55but also the additional removal and auction fees.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58What are we looking at, value-wise?
0:30:58 > 0:31:00This is all right. It's a 59 plate.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03You're probably looking at £1,200-1,500.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Even though they're not in the motor trade,
0:31:06 > 0:31:09years of experience have made them acutely aware
0:31:09 > 0:31:11of how much cars will fetch at auction.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- an '07 BM...- 'O7 BM... - Grand and a half, two grand?
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- What's he got written up on the windscreen?- Six and a half.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Six and a half is nowhere near a realistic price
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- Probably... - ..for an '07 or 57 plate BMW.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27They've got a Honda Civic on an '09.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29We might and up taking three or four here.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31They settle on three vehicles.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33I need to get in that office and get the keys.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34Without the keys,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37the cars will fetch far less than their trade price.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40But there's a problem - they're locked inside the office.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45I've tried pressing a number of different numbers on there,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49the normal ones that people use, but no.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50I've had no joy.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Rob and Gerald ask for the code to get in,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56but neither the man at the premises nor the man on the phone
0:31:56 > 0:31:58are prepared to help.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00So he's not going to give the code to the office?
0:32:00 > 0:32:01- No, no.- All right.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05The sheriffs have the power to force entry to a commercial premises,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08and that includes getting through locked doors by whatever means.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Rather than wait for a locksmith, Rob's using an old card trick.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21HE CHUCKLES
0:32:21 > 0:32:24I'm starting to worry about your background!
0:32:24 > 0:32:25THEY CHUCKLE
0:32:25 > 0:32:26Oi, all the keys.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28As well as the car keys,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31they find paperwork that confirms their suspicions.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35The debtor company, SK Motors, is still trading here,
0:32:35 > 0:32:36despite what they've been told.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39We've got the transferring of a vehicle to a motor trade
0:32:39 > 0:32:41received by SK Motors.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46Right, there's the deposit there, stamped SK Motors.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Card machine receipt for £2,000, SK Motors.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53The purchase invoices, the sales invoices,
0:32:53 > 0:32:56are stamped, and in the name of SK Motors.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59If they don't pay, then we're going to start removal.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Gerald checks he's got the right keys.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06That sounds like the BM for me.
0:33:10 > 0:33:11And that's that one.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14And satisfied that removal is now their only option,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17he makes the call for a recovery truck.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20OK, cheers. Thanks. Bye-bye. Bye.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Recovery is on its way now.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25The problem is, when recovering cars,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27it's usually quite a difficult operation.
0:33:27 > 0:33:28They're costly to remove,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31cos you've got to get a lorry here that can actually drag them on,
0:33:31 > 0:33:32just in case they are non-runners.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35Fortunately, we've got the keys, which will ease it,
0:33:35 > 0:33:37but it's still going to be a large lorry for three cars.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39It's then got to go to the auction,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42so we've got to pay the auctions to store the cars.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44They aren't just any old auctions -
0:33:44 > 0:33:47you have to take it somewhere that's secure.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50But all those costs of removing the vehicles to cover the debt
0:33:50 > 0:33:51aren't Rob's problem.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56When the sheriffs' visits escalate to the removal of goods stage,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58the extra fees go onto the debtor's bill.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02It would've been a payment of maybe £2,300, or thereabouts,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04and that would have been the matter settled.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08As it stands, at the moment, because we've gone up through the stages,
0:34:08 > 0:34:11and because we've ordered a recovery truck,
0:34:11 > 0:34:13because they weren't being in contact with us,
0:34:13 > 0:34:15they weren't trying to settle this matter with us,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19in total, the balance now is £4,303.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22He needs to clear that amount to stop these cars being taken.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Suddenly, the boss is back on the phone,
0:34:26 > 0:34:28and asking for more information.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Rob breaks the news to him about the extra fees
0:34:39 > 0:34:41that have been incurred since the morning.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44That's the balance. If he pays that now, we stop.
0:34:44 > 0:34:45If he solves that, then that's done.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48If he wants to pay it, that's it, we finish, we go.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52With the total amount owed now standing at more than £4,300,
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Rob's not counting his chickens.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57I'm not holding my hopes up. We're not going to cancel the truck
0:34:57 > 0:35:00or anything like that. Let's see what he does.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04- If need be, we'll get a link to him, or he can pay online.- Yeah.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10If it's a genuine change of heart, and they do now intend to pay,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13SK Motors will have to be quick about it.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15The removal truck is already en route.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19As the sheriffs wait to see which happens first -
0:35:19 > 0:35:22the truck or the payment - a man enters the garage.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29Who's this? He hasn't a come to look for a car, has he?
0:35:29 > 0:35:31With the sheriffs' attention elsewhere,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33the man who works here has just made a sale,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36but it's unlikely the money will go towards
0:35:36 > 0:35:38paying off the High Court writ.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40He's just sold a car.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41He's just been paid cash for it,
0:35:41 > 0:35:44but won't tell me how much, or where it is.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47I believe that's possibly SK Motors' money.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Unfortunately, I can't pin somebody to the floor,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51and take cash out their pocket.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55If he's got cash in his pocket, it's in there for the time being.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58It's back to plan A - the removal of assets.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Finally, the truck arrives.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Yeah, this is our man.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08Hopefully, get all these three cars loaded up onto his lorry,
0:36:08 > 0:36:11and get them gone now, and get away from here as quickly as possible.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13We've got other things to do.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Hello, mate. You all right?
0:36:15 > 0:36:18That's one vehicle down so far, on the top of his lorry,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20two more to go.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Two down, one to go.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Yeah, just watch that side, as well.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29It's a tight squeeze, but in no time at all,
0:36:29 > 0:36:33there's a large gap in the front of SK Motors' forecourt.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Unfortunately, on this job, we've had little choice.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39The defendant nor the occupant of the property
0:36:39 > 0:36:42wanted to correspond with us at all on this matter.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Therefore we've had to resort to actually removing.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Could've been better, we could've had payment,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50but one way or the other, we will get it sorted.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53Gerald is in no doubt that Rob's lock-picking skills
0:36:53 > 0:36:56made the difference today.
0:36:56 > 0:36:57Getting in the office like that,
0:36:57 > 0:37:00that was the final nail in the coffin,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03once we then managed to gather the evidence from within the office.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05So the boy done good getting in there.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07Doesn't always work as easy as that.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09It doesn't always work at all, but on this occasion it did,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12and it saved us a lot of time and a lot of hassle.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15We've been here for over four hours. Numerous phone calls made,
0:37:15 > 0:37:18numerous chances to provide proof or to make payment,
0:37:18 > 0:37:22nothing forthcoming. Last resort, removing the vehicles.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25Job's done. They're just about to go. That's this one wrapped up.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Three cars leave on their way to auction,
0:37:30 > 0:37:34but, two days later, SK Motors paid the debt in full,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38including the extra removal and storage costs,
0:37:38 > 0:37:39and the cars were returned.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44Thanks to the sheriffs, the claimant finally got the money he was due.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Many small independent retailers are struggling to cope
0:38:00 > 0:38:03with rising overheads and increasing competition
0:38:03 > 0:38:06in the form of online shopping.
0:38:06 > 0:38:07But no matter how tough it gets,
0:38:07 > 0:38:11if they want to keep trading, they must pay their suppliers.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15This morning, enforcement agents Tommy Coyle and Jon Farley
0:38:15 > 0:38:19are heading to the cathedral city of Winchester in Hampshire
0:38:19 > 0:38:23in pursuit of an unpaid debt.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Going to a company called Double Amount Limited,
0:38:25 > 0:38:27trading as Cadogan and Company.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30It's an upmarket fashion retailer.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34They've been taken to court by a supplier over an unpaid invoice.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37The court ordered the retailer to pay, but they didn't,
0:38:37 > 0:38:41and now the sheriffs are going to collect the debt or seize assets.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45We're looking for around £2,700 today.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48There should be a lot of assets there.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Had a look on the internet - it's a double-fronted shop in a nice area.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Looks good, so hopefully, there's plenty of assets there -
0:38:55 > 0:38:57if they don't want to pay, we can look at removing.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00The amount owed today is...
0:39:05 > 0:39:08The most valuable goods are likely to be the shop's stock,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12and, luckily, Jon considers himself something of a sartorial expert.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Yeah, I like my clothes. I like my fashion.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18I like to look smart, try and look good as much as I can.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Jon doesn't get to show off much at work, but for Tommy,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26the sheriffs' regulation black garb is a blessing.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Yeah, I ain't the best with fashion.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31The girlfriend has to dress me when we go out.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Generally, if I get myself ready,
0:39:34 > 0:39:39she will laugh, and then get angry, and say I'm not coming with her.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41HE LAUGHS
0:39:43 > 0:39:45The shop is in a prime location,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48situated in the historic city centre, and close to the cathedral.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52It's nice, isn't it? I'm very impressed.
0:39:52 > 0:39:57- There's a museum here.- Yeah. I'm always up for being educated.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- There - Cadogan.- There we go, it's open. That's perfect.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05The sheriffs park outside, and head in.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08It's time for Double Amount to pay up in double time.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Hello. Oh, hello, sir.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16Double Amount Limited, trading as Cadogan and Company?
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Is it yourselves? Do you want to go and have a word in private?
0:40:18 > 0:40:22I'm a High Court enforcement agent here with a High Court writ.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26The man on the shop floor is the shop's owner, Alex Edwards,
0:40:26 > 0:40:29and he says he's willing to settle the debt.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32We have an amount, at the moment, 2,688.50.
0:40:33 > 0:40:34How would you like to pay that?
0:40:36 > 0:40:37By card?
0:40:37 > 0:40:40He doesn't seem particularly surprised to see the sheriffs.
0:40:40 > 0:40:41Do you know all about this, then?
0:40:41 > 0:40:43You did, yeah?
0:40:43 > 0:40:46It's just escalated to this stage.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49At this stage, we just need full pavement, but it won't be a problem.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52He just immediately said he wants to pay it in full.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54So, Tommy's just in there at the minute,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56getting the account details sorted.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58So, hopefully, we'll be gone in two minutes.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03If Jon's hoping for an easy job, he's spoken too soon.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07Mr Edwards tries to make an online payment, but it won't go through.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10- Can you not do it on that?- No.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Other than that, can you get the cash out?
0:41:12 > 0:41:15We can wait here if you just go and get the cash.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Mr Edwards agrees, and heads off to his bank, which
0:41:18 > 0:41:20is further up the high street,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23leaving the sheriffs behind in his shop.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I'm being as diplomatic as I can be.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29He's compliant in getting the cash for us now to make a full payment.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34In the meantime, Jon's taking no chances,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36and starts sizing up the shop's assets.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39Yeah, a lot of nice stuff here.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45I doff my cap.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54Jon seems to have a head for upmarket fashion.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Primark's more my kind of place.
0:41:59 > 0:42:00After a few minutes,
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Mr Edwards returns with an envelope full of cash,
0:42:03 > 0:42:05which Tommy is more than happy to take off his hands.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08I'll count it out for you, sir. Cheers.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13The sheriffs make short work of counting it out...
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- We were just saying, you've got a lovely shop, by the way.- Thank you.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18..all £2,688.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25All there. So, sir, I'll just get you to sign the receipt.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Thank you very much for your time, and you take care of yourself, sir.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31And with that, Tommy and Jon have done what they came for.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35Double Amount Limited's debt is cleared,
0:42:35 > 0:42:40and their unpaid supplier will soon get the money they're owed.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43All in all, a very fast and good result.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46We had a job to do, and we've done it on this occasion.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Full payment, happy claimant,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51and we've given him a receipt, and left him to trade on.