0:00:02 > 0:00:03Meet the sheriffs.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05My name is Mr Grix. My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07We are here with a High Court order today.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09They work for the High Court, and if a judge says
0:00:09 > 0:00:13you're owed money, it's the sheriffs' job to go and get it.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- 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 > 0:00:28Or we'll start removing stuff from the building.
0:00:28 > 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 > 0:00:38- Don't lie to me.- No mess tins.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Every year, sheriffs in England and Wales
0:00:40 > 0:00:44recover unpaid debts totalling more than £80 million.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53Coming up... When Rob and Gerald visit a restaurant, tempers flare...
0:00:53 > 0:00:55We are going to call our community
0:00:55 > 0:00:58and there will be a big fight, do you hear?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00..and they're forced to call the police.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Right, do me a favour, mate.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Do not touch my camera, right?
0:01:05 > 0:01:10Steve Flowers splashed out £2,000 on parts for his pride and joy.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13When you speak to the guy, and he's all sort of genial,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16and then you find out that he's just shafted you.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19When Lawrence and Kev hunt down the man who took Steve's money,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21he's not pleased to see our camera.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25A minicab company say they can't pay their debt,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28so Andy and Adie start hunting for assets.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29Anything in the safe?
0:01:31 > 0:01:34We will ask the director to open that up.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37And when Tracy and Adam have a writ for a pharmacy,
0:01:37 > 0:01:39it's their van that needs treatment.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Somebody's stuck a brick through the van window.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Restaurants and bars are three times more likely
0:01:50 > 0:01:53than other UK businesses to go bust.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58It's a notoriously difficult industry to be successful in.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01So, it's no surprise that many ventures end up in debt,
0:02:01 > 0:02:03and then find the sheriffs at their doors.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07It's early evening in November.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09And Rob Foster and Gerald Anderson
0:02:09 > 0:02:12are on their way to a fish restaurant.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Going to the Shepherd's Bush part of London today.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21Looking for a company called Pacific Blue Ocean Ltd.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23The claimants have carried out
0:02:23 > 0:02:25some drainage maintenance for the company,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28and, obviously, haven't been paid.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31The maintenance company took Pacific Blue Ocean Ltd to court
0:02:31 > 0:02:35but they didn't defend it, and the restaurant was ordered to pay up,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37but they still haven't.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40So, now, it's in the hands of Rob and Gerald.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43So, we're there now to enforce the writ
0:02:43 > 0:02:46for the amount of just over £1,000.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53For the sheriffs, a restaurant presents some challenges -
0:02:53 > 0:02:55not least that when they're open,
0:02:55 > 0:02:57they tend to be full of customers
0:02:57 > 0:02:59and there's often no chance
0:02:59 > 0:03:01of a private conversation with the owners.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Their job is still the same as usual,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08uphold the law by collecting payment or taking control of goods.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12Before that, Rob and Gerald's thoughts turn to their stomachs.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19My favourite, I'd say, is cod and chips with gravy.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24Gravy?! Not entirely sure how people do that, it's got to be curry.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25Certainly not gravy.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30As they approach the address on the writ, Rob spots the business.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Says it's on our right here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34There it is, Blue Ocean.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37They head in to tell Pacific Blue Ocean Ltd
0:03:37 > 0:03:40it's time to settle their debt.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43It's 4.50 pm, the restaurant is open,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and there are already diners at some tables.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- How do!- We're enforcement agents from the sheriff's office.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52There's my identification.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56We've got a High Court writ. Is the owner about?
0:03:56 > 0:03:57Can you ring him?
0:03:59 > 0:04:01You're going to have to ring him.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05It doesn't look like that's going to happen very quickly.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Is he going to call him, is he?
0:04:07 > 0:04:09I'm assuming so. He seems to be making his coffee.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11I need to speak to the owner.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15There's still no sign
0:04:15 > 0:04:18that anyone is going to call the company director, Mr Harid.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19But a woman appears from the back.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Are you the owner?
0:04:23 > 0:04:24We need to get hold of Mr Harid,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28because it either needs to be paid or we're removing goods.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31She says the restaurant hasn't received any notification
0:04:31 > 0:04:33of the debt and can't deal with it now.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36You've had letters sent out, the court's sent letters out.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38We've sent a notice of enforcement out.
0:04:38 > 0:04:39We've had no response.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46Rob wants the woman to understand how serious the situation is.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49We don't just leave a letter and go.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52We'll take all the assets with us, including the entire kitchen,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54all the machines, all the tables, all the chairs,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57we'll take it with us and then we'll leave them a letter to pay it
0:04:57 > 0:04:58once it's all gone.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Having just said they don't know about the debt,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03the woman now has more information.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08It hasn't been paid. It hasn't been paid.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11What do you mean he's paid it already?
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Mr Harid. Is he on his way down?
0:05:14 > 0:05:16The most frustrating thing for the sheriffs
0:05:16 > 0:05:19is when a debtor refuses to communicate.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Rob doesn't want to argue with the front of house staff,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24he just needs to speak to the boss.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27She won't give me an answer what time he's coming down here.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29So no-one's going to answer me if he's on his way down.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31If they can't speak to the boss,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33the only thing the enforcement agents can do
0:05:33 > 0:05:35is start exploring the restaurant.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Gerald heads behind the bar to check out the stock.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42As long as the owner... Is the owner coming?
0:05:44 > 0:05:47OK, if you've called the owner, then no problem at all.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Yeah, I'll wait here.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Sheriffs have a duty to investigate a debtor's premises.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54But the woman isn't happy.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57And their exchange is threatening to cause a scene.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58One of the customers wades in.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01Are you the owner of the business?
0:06:01 > 0:06:03There we are then. I can't discuss it with you.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04All right?
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Don't tell me what rights I've got. I know what rights I've got.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13I have the right to come in here under a High Court writ
0:06:13 > 0:06:15and seize everything in this property.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Give your lawyer a ring, then.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22The last thing the sheriffs want
0:06:22 > 0:06:25is an argument with the restaurant's diners.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Rob just wants to speak to the boss.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Is someone going to call him?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32But it's not going to be the boss that the man's calling.
0:06:37 > 0:06:38Right. There we are. Perfect.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41We'll now call the police because that's a threat of violence.
0:06:41 > 0:06:42All right?
0:06:44 > 0:06:48If you obstruct myself, or my colleague, it is a criminal offence.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Rob and Gerald can't take any chances.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Police, please. The occupants of the property have threatened to get
0:06:56 > 0:07:00the community down here now for a big fight.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03With both sides expecting to be vindicated by the police,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06the man calms down and goes back to his supper.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09The police are on the way, all right?
0:07:09 > 0:07:11It's getting a bit heated here at the moment.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12They're not happy that we're here.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14They don't believe we have any authority to be here.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17But the problem is, we are acting within the law.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19There we are. The police are here now.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Ten minutes after the call, the police arrive.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23Hello, officers. Are you all right?
0:07:23 > 0:07:25We've got a High Court writ to enforce here today.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27At the moment, my intention here is
0:07:27 > 0:07:29to either get payment in this matter, or remove all the goods.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32This gentleman here has been in our faces all evening.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- OK.- He's also threatened to call the entire community
0:07:34 > 0:07:36and get them down here and there'll be a big fight.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I'm taking that as a threat of assault.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40The man, however, is expecting the police
0:07:40 > 0:07:43to tell the sheriffs they can't enforce.
0:07:43 > 0:07:44We need payment now,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47or it's going to escalate and we're going to start removing.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51We are enforcing part of the law.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54The law states that, if it's not paid today,
0:07:54 > 0:07:55I have to take everything away.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00We don't want to do something like that.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02We don't want to do something like that.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05He's still not convinced, but, thanks to the police,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08the imminent threat of a big fight has receded.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Gerald is concerned there's another flash point coming.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15If they don't pay, and they won't get hold of the boss,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17we're left with no other choice but to remove assets.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- OK.- They've obviously said that won't happen.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- OK.- They've said it won't happen.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25We're here strictly to prevent any breach of the peace
0:08:25 > 0:08:27and just trying to calm the situation down.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Just talking to people in a calm manner
0:08:29 > 0:08:32and explaining the situation kind of prevents anything from happening.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35The police let the staff know that if it comes to it,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38they're not going to be stopping the removal of goods.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40And that seems to have an effect.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45How long will it take?
0:08:46 > 0:08:49The boss is now apparently on his way.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Is he going to pay up? If so,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I can send him a link to his phone and he can just pay it.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Just as it looks like Rob's finally making progress,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59another man comes in from the back.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02He's not the boss and he's not come to pay.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Right, do me a favour, mate.
0:09:04 > 0:09:05Do not touch my camera, right?
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Don't be grabbing or pushing.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11You can wait outside, right?
0:09:11 > 0:09:15The gentleman, it's obviously got a little bit tasty.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18He's been escorted out by the police and now being briefed
0:09:18 > 0:09:19by the police on what he should be doing
0:09:19 > 0:09:21and what he shouldn't be doing -
0:09:21 > 0:09:24ie, he cannot start putting his hands on people.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27The atmosphere in the restaurant is heating up.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31With the man ejected, and with the other diners having left,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34the police officers aren't letting anyone else in.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36So, me and my colleagues have made a decision
0:09:36 > 0:09:38to stop any further people coming in,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41apart from the people here, to provide security for yourself,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43us, and the enforcement agents.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Customers are now being turned away and the business is empty.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53Later, with the boss still absent, Gerald takes decisive action.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55I've escalated it on to stage two.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58It's now at £1,745.
0:10:03 > 0:10:04Using the County Courts
0:10:04 > 0:10:08to try and recover money you're owed isn't difficult.
0:10:08 > 0:10:091.5 million money claims
0:10:09 > 0:10:12are paid every year in England and Wales,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15involving anything from faulty goods or poor workmanship
0:10:15 > 0:10:18to unpaid invoices.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Claims can be filed online, or by post for a small fee.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Both parties in the case will be asked to submit evidence,
0:10:25 > 0:10:27and you may have to attend a court hearing.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29If you're successful,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33the County Court Judgment or CCJ will be issued against the debtor.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37If they still don't pay, that's when you call the sheriffs.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41The sheriffs have an impressive track record
0:10:41 > 0:10:45when it comes to recovering debts for their clients.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49But that doesn't always mean getting payment in full there and then.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Sometimes they'll give the debtor time to come up with the money.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55In the meantime, they'll take control of items
0:10:55 > 0:10:58that could later be sold to clear the debt.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59It's coming up to 8am,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02and High Court enforcement agents Lawrence Grix
0:11:02 > 0:11:06and Kev McNally are in the van, heading for the south coast.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08We're in sunny Hastings.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14We're going to see Dean Daniel of Weslake Motor Heritage.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19He owes the grand total of £2,944.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24The debt is relating to differential conversion kits for Triumph Stags.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Weslake Motor Heritage,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30not to be confused with any other company of a similar name,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33manufactures parts for classic British sports cars -
0:11:33 > 0:11:35including the Triumph Stag.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38But the sheriffs' client today
0:11:38 > 0:11:41didn't have a happy experience with the company.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42He paid for this...
0:11:44 > 0:11:45..and never received goods.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48So, eventually, he cancelled and requested a refund,
0:11:48 > 0:11:49which he never got.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54This is the claimant, Steve Flowers,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57a mechanical engineer from Suffolk.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00I've been into classic cars most of my life.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07And this is Steve's pride and joy, a 1976 Triumph Stag.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10V8 engine. Twin heads.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12I've done quite a bit on it myself.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15The engine has all been lightened and balance.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19It's got gas float heads, four barrel carb.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21A lot of people refer to it as a hairdresser's car.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28But Steve doesn't agree, and he should know.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31He's spent the last 12 years lovingly restoring it.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35Now it's almost ready for the open road.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36The engine's perfect.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41Gearbox is great, the rest of the car is great, other than the diff.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42The what?!
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Apparently, the diff, or rear differential,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49transfers engine power to the rear wheels.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53So, it's pretty important as far as performance is concerned.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57This is the diff. This has been the bane of my life.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02It needed replacing but the original part is no longer manufactured
0:13:02 > 0:13:04and Steve didn't want a used one.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Instead, he found Dean Daniel, trading as Weslake Motor Heritage,
0:13:09 > 0:13:15who said he could provide a new diff, specially modified for a Stag.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19He seemed a nice guy, knew what he was talking about.
0:13:19 > 0:13:25So, £1,500 for the differential, and £500 for the drive shaft.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28He said, "Yeah, I want a deposit of £500."
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Fine.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33It seemed like a fair price to Steve,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35and he paid the £500 deposit.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37They agreed the parts would be ready in time
0:13:37 > 0:13:39for him to drive to a classic car event
0:13:39 > 0:13:42at the Spa Race Track in Belgium that summer.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Spa is the highlight of my year.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50When you turn up in your car, and it's your car, and you've built it,
0:13:50 > 0:13:54and it's got you there with maybe a minimum amount of oil leaks
0:13:54 > 0:13:55and a minimum amount of water leaks,
0:13:55 > 0:13:57you feel really proud and you think,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59"Yeah, I've done a good job here."
0:13:59 > 0:14:01As the event drew closer,
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Steve started to worry
0:14:02 > 0:14:05that the parts weren't going to arrive in time.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Then he got the phone call he'd been waiting for.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12He said it was ready. And I said, "Fine."
0:14:12 > 0:14:15He said, "If you transfer the money over..."
0:14:15 > 0:14:17I said, "Yeah, not a problem."
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Steve paid the £1,500 balance,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24but the parts he'd ordered still didn't arrive.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25And then, for the next few months,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27I got promises it was going to be ready,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29and then this wasn't going to happen,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31and that wasn't going to happen.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34The Spa Classic Car Event that Steve was eagerly anticipating
0:14:34 > 0:14:35came and went.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37The Triumph wasn't ready,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and Steve had to go as a passenger in a friend's car.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43It spoiled my year, really, to be honest.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45When you speak to the guy, and he's all sort of genial,
0:14:45 > 0:14:47and, "Yeah, I can do this and do that,"
0:14:47 > 0:14:51and then you find out that he's just shafted you,
0:14:51 > 0:14:53I got very angry.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Steve eventually sourced a second-hand differential,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01and got the Stag up and running again.
0:15:01 > 0:15:07But Mr Daniels still had Steve's £2,000, and his order.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Then cancelled it and I said, "I want my money back, I've had enough.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12"You've messed me around enough."
0:15:14 > 0:15:18But, when his money wasn't returned, Steve took the matter to court.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21And when Mr Daniel didn't contest the case,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23judgment was issued in Steve's favour.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Even then he didn't get paid.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32He's now upgraded the judgment to the High Court and got a writ.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34I thought, "Right, you ain't going to get away with it.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37"I'm going to get my money back one way or another."
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Back in Hastings,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Lawrence is looking forward to a job that takes him back
0:15:47 > 0:15:49to his own heady days of sports car ownership.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55I had a Triumph Stag back in the day and I managed to blow my diff.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56Bit of a pig of a job,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58laying on your back with the car on axle stands,
0:15:58 > 0:16:02trying to grapple the diff out from between the chassis rails.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03But I managed it in the end.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06But, yeah, if I could have got a better one, I would.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11It's all double Dutch to Kev.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13But, before he can say anything, they arrive.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17There are plenty of cars on site, but none of them vintage.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21I thought there'd be a garage out here somewhere.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23There's nothing round there.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24Should be here somewhere.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29They head into reception, but there's no-one around.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31High Court enforcement agents have the power
0:16:31 > 0:16:33to enter a commercial premises,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35so Lawrence and Kev head through.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Where's our one then? That's not what we want, is it?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42No.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43It's not going to be that.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45They can't find Dean Daniel's unit,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48but they do bump into some men in the corridor.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Looking for Weslake Motor Heritage.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54And, although, at first, they seem to have no idea either...
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Walked through the door. It was open.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00..it turns out one of them is the landlord.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02My name is Mr Grix, I'm an enforcement agent,
0:17:02 > 0:17:03as is my colleague.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Do you know them?
0:17:06 > 0:17:09So, can you point us in the right direction, please?
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Not here as in gone permanently or temporarily?
0:17:12 > 0:17:13Just not here at the moment.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19If Weslake Motor Heritage and Dean Daniel really aren't here,
0:17:19 > 0:17:21there might not be much the sheriffs can do today.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Just to make sure, the landlord leads them round,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28and to everyone's surprise, Mr Daniel IS here after all.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30- Dean...- Yes.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35My name's Mr Grix. My colleague and I are enforcement agents.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36Yeah, well, come in.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Why do I need a camera?
0:17:41 > 0:17:43At last, they've found the debtor,
0:17:43 > 0:17:45but he isn't pleased to see the camera,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47so we wait outside.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Lawrence explains to Mr Daniel
0:17:50 > 0:17:53that he's got a High Court writ in Stephen Flowers's favour,
0:17:53 > 0:17:58that commands him to collect the £2,944 owed.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Mr Daniels says he is aware of the debt,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04and says that although he doesn't have the money to pay it,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07he has arranged to borrow some from a friend.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11The problem is that the cash injection isn't due to arrive
0:18:11 > 0:18:12for a few more days.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17Lawrence isn't keen to wait and doesn't think Steve will be either.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20He tells Mr Daniel that, if he can't get hold of the money sooner,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22his goods could be removed instead.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26And the unit is full of valuable assets,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28mostly machine tooling and parts.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32As Lawrence contemplates taking control of some of it,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35he can't resist the chance to reminisce with Mr Daniel
0:18:35 > 0:18:38about his own experiences in an old Stag.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Engines aren't my thing so I'll let him crack on with it.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Lawrence had to recount a few of his stories from his youth
0:18:45 > 0:18:49about changing head gaskets and whatever else he does,
0:18:49 > 0:18:51crawling around in the nuts and bolts and oil.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Inside, Lawrence hasn't had any luck
0:18:55 > 0:18:58in hurrying along Mr Daniel's investor.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00With no payment offer on the table,
0:19:00 > 0:19:02it's going to have to be the assets.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05He has got a lot of assets there
0:19:05 > 0:19:07that are definitely going to cover the amount
0:19:07 > 0:19:08we're after by a long shot.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Probably give him a couple of days to pay, list the assets there,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16and, if we have to, come back and remove them.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18The High Court writ commands the sheriffs
0:19:18 > 0:19:21to either collect payment or take control of goods.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25But taking control doesn't always mean physically removing stuff.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30In this case, Mr Daniel will have to sign a Controlled Goods Agreement,
0:19:30 > 0:19:35or CGA, which will mean his assets technically belong to the court
0:19:35 > 0:19:37and can't be sold or otherwise disposed of.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40But they can remain on the premises,
0:19:40 > 0:19:45giving him time to come up with the money while continuing to trade.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47And, with that agreed, Lawrence and Kev head out.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51This way out, wasn't it?
0:19:52 > 0:19:56They leave with thousands of pounds worth of machinery listed
0:19:56 > 0:19:58and an agreement that payment will follow.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01The job went well. He's a nice enough chap, to be fair.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Knew all about it, and he's just going to get it sorted.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08So, we listed a few assets down and gave him a couple of days to pay.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12It might seem like the sheriffs let Mr Daniel off the hook,
0:20:12 > 0:20:16but taking control of goods puts them firmly in the driving seat.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18Under the terms of seizure,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20they can force entry to his unit at any time
0:20:20 > 0:20:24and remove them if he doesn't pay up as agreed.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Going on instinct, he's going to pay that, no problem.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29If not, we'll be back to remove the goods.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32There's plenty of assets to cover the amount we're after.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Kev's instincts were proved correct
0:20:34 > 0:20:38when Mr Daniel made the payments he promised.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40It's been a triumph for the sheriffs.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Steve has finally got the money he's owed.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46All my thanks are to Lawrence and Kev.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49I gather Lawrence is a massive car fan,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52and I got the full payment and I'm really, really happy.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Back in West London, Rob and Gerald are still in Pacific Blue Ocean,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08a restaurant that owes a debt to a drainage firm.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12They'd been trying to get hold of the boss for more than half an hour.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15You're going to have to ring him.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22With customers and staff unhappy with their presence,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25they've had to call the police to calm things down.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Right, do me a favour, mate, do not touch my camera, right?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Don't be grabbing and pushing.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Wait outside. All right?
0:21:33 > 0:21:37The police have closed the doors to prevent any further altercations.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40They've effectively stopped the restaurant from trading.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42The woman now makes an offer.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49No, it needs to be paid in full.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Unfortunately, with attitude that we've seen today,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55and the aggression we've seen today,
0:21:55 > 0:21:56we're not going to be able to do that.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57It needs to be settled tonight,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59or we'll remove goods to close this file.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01It's... I'm not having either ourselves
0:22:01 > 0:22:03or another officer, or the police,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06having to waste their time by coming back down AGAIN to deal with this.
0:22:06 > 0:22:07It needs to be dealt with now.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Over half an hour since he first asked,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Rob finally gets to speak to the director, Mr Harid.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18He now says he's coming down to the restaurant.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19Right, how long are you going to be?
0:22:19 > 0:22:21On your way is not good enough
0:22:21 > 0:22:23because you could phone in another hour's time
0:22:23 > 0:22:25and go, "I'm still on my way, I'm still stuck in traffic,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28"it's going to be another hour." We don't work like that.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29Have you got a smartphone?
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Have you got the internet?
0:22:31 > 0:22:33I can send you a payment link to your phone.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36You go into that link and you can make the payment.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37He says he can't,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40but he will send his card details to a member of staff
0:22:40 > 0:22:43who will make the payment on his behalf.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45We're now hoping that that's going to go through
0:22:45 > 0:22:47and that will resolve things.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50What it's asking you for now is to enter your card number.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52But it's not that simple.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Looks like it's failed for whatever reason.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59And the next attempt doesn't go through either.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Despite the restaurant agreeing to pay just moments earlier,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05it doesn't look like it's going to happen.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06That failed for whatever reason.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09I don't think they're entering the right details.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Rob warns the police that he and Gerald
0:23:11 > 0:23:14might have no choice than to escalate to removal.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16We'll give you a heads up before we start doing that.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Then we won't just jump into it.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Before that, he tries to make sure the woman understands
0:23:21 > 0:23:23that if the debt isn't paid very soon,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26then further fees will be added.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28The bill is already nearly twice what they owed
0:23:28 > 0:23:32the drain maintenance company in the first place.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35This is a £600 debt that's gone up to almost £1,200.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37It goes up hugely.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42It can go up to almost £3,000. From £600 to £3,000 - it's huge.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Rob offers the woman one last chance to pay.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Either putting the payment through now or time up.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51But, with no money forthcoming,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54the enforcement agents' options have finally run out.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Can you tell them it's now £1,745?
0:24:00 > 0:24:02I've escalated it on to stage two.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05Escalating the enforcement to stage two
0:24:05 > 0:24:08means Rob and Gerald list the business's assets
0:24:08 > 0:24:11and start preparing for a potential removal.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15What I'm going to start doing now is lugging all the tables and chairs
0:24:15 > 0:24:17and start piling them up at the door here.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20It looks like they really will need to empty the restaurant
0:24:20 > 0:24:23to have any chance of getting the drainage company's money.
0:24:25 > 0:24:26But just then...
0:24:26 > 0:24:27HORN BEEPS
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Is that him in the taxi?
0:24:32 > 0:24:33Right.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37Hello, sir.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39How do?
0:24:39 > 0:24:43To their surprise, he says he's already paid the debt.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45This is the letter, is it?
0:24:48 > 0:24:49What?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51You've had that letter this morning?
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Dated the 25th of July, 2017.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57No, it makes no difference at all.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59This was Tuesday, 25th of July.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01Don't care. Means nothing at all to me -
0:25:01 > 0:25:03you need to pay the amount that we're here for.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05The man's letter is four months old.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07We're enforcing. You've got...
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Sir, this was posted on the 25th of July,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13and you received this letter today?
0:25:13 > 0:25:15What the boss has appears to be the original invoice
0:25:15 > 0:25:17from the drainage company.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20He didn't pay them for their work at the time
0:25:20 > 0:25:22and it's since been through court,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24and then a writ issued for the money.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26He's a little too late.
0:25:26 > 0:25:32The £600 bill has become a £1,750 writ of control at stage two.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35No, you haven't.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38We've got a High Court writ here that says how much you have to pay.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Our amount needs to be paid, otherwise, I'm taking the lot away.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45You need to agree to pay this now or it's going up another stage.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47He's not happy.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50It was that much when I came here two hours ago.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53It's £1,745.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57Yeah, it was that amount there until 5.30pm.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59It's now 6.45pm.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02So, that there is where I've given you warning.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05That there is the amount that you need to pay.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08£1,745.66.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11With the goods by the door ready for removal,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Gerald no longer has the appetite for an argument.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17It's time to bring this job to an end.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Are we going to pay this or not?
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Simple as that. I'm not arguing with you.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Are you going to put your card into our machine or not?
0:26:25 > 0:26:28You need to answer now or it's going to go to over £2,500...
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- That's the next stage.- And we remove at further cost.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32Card?
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Thank you.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39And with that, the boss pays the whole stage two fee on a card.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45You're right was to answer your mail and go to court and respond to it.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47You've had plenty of court letters,
0:26:47 > 0:26:48you've had plenty of letters from us.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Here's your receipt. Thank you, sir.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51- All done.- Thank you.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57And much to everyone's relief, the sheriffs leave.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Cheers, gents. Thank you very much, sirs.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- Cheers.- Cheers. Thank you.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04The police were a godsend there today.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I believe if they weren't there,
0:27:07 > 0:27:11we had a very large crowd starting together.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14It's been an exhausting evening for the sheriffs,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17but they've demonstrated that they have the tenacity
0:27:17 > 0:27:20to get their clients the money the court has ordered.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Unfortunately, situations like this,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24they could have dealt with it much easier, much quicker.
0:27:24 > 0:27:25There was no need for the threats,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28there was no need for wasting the police time in attendance.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Unfortunately, when someone threatens
0:27:30 > 0:27:32to call the entire community down and there's going to be a big fight,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34we've got to take it seriously.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35A long, drawn-out case,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38but a damn good result was achieved at the end of it.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Payment in full, all sorted.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Pacific Blue Ocean Ltd have learned the hard way
0:27:44 > 0:27:46that it's much better to pay their debts
0:27:46 > 0:27:48before the High Court has to get involved.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00When debtors can't pay on the spot...
0:28:00 > 0:28:01Are you going to pay the bill?
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- What do you mean, no?- ..the sheriffs won't always remove assets.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Goods go for almost a fifth of their true value at auction,
0:28:09 > 0:28:12and it's often better to agree a payment plan.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Do you reckon you can do £200 a week?
0:28:14 > 0:28:17They'll make a list of assets...
0:28:17 > 0:28:18That's a nice motor.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- Rice cookers.- Seven wrist bracelets.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24...and a controlled goods agreement is signed,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27making it an offence for anyone else to remove them.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29You sign it, I sign it...
0:28:29 > 0:28:31The sheriffs will only return to take the goods
0:28:31 > 0:28:34if the debtor fails to make payments.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36I've signed him up for £1,000 a month.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39Providing you stick to that, you won't hear from us again.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46Tracy Lee and Adam Crossley are on their way to Leeds,
0:28:46 > 0:28:50heading to a business that owes a substantial sum of money.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54The writ is against a pharmacy, Khan Pharmacy.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57It's just short of £10,000 we're looking to recover this morning.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04Khan Pharmacy owes the money to a supplier, which hasn't been paid.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08They took the shop to court, but when it didn't enter a defence,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10judgment was made against them.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13When they still didn't pay, the supplier got a writ,
0:29:13 > 0:29:19and today the pharmacy owes £9,096.64.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Here we are. It's bigger than I expected.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26The premises is large and Tracy and Adam park up round the corner
0:29:26 > 0:29:28and head in, hopeful that the pharmacy
0:29:28 > 0:29:30will have goods to the value of their debt.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Morning.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- Morning.- Is the owner in?
0:29:34 > 0:29:35It's regarding an outstanding debt.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38It's a High Court writ we're here to enforce.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39Who's the proprietor?
0:29:39 > 0:29:41- It's my husband.- Is Mr Khan about?
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Well, his car's broken down.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44He's running a little bit late.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Right. Are you able to get him on the telephone?
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- Yeah.- If you can do that, please.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52She calls her husband and he says he's on his way.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57Meanwhile, Tracy and Adam check out the assets.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59There's a lot of shelves empty.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00Bit sparse, isn't it?
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Some electric toothbrushes up here,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06which I should imagine are retailing at £40, £50 apiece.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08There's not £10,000 worth, is there?
0:30:09 > 0:30:11There are some expensive products here,
0:30:11 > 0:30:13but the sheriffs know they'll make a fraction
0:30:13 > 0:30:15of their retail price at auction.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19The most valuable items are the medicine stocks,
0:30:19 > 0:30:21but, unfortunately for the sheriffs,
0:30:21 > 0:30:24prescription drugs are exempt from seizure by law.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- Morning.- Morning, is it Mr Khan?
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- That's me. Yes.- Hi.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32This is my colleague, Miss Lee.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37We're enforcement agents - High Court enforcement officers.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40We're here to consider an unpaid writ of control.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41And we're here today to enforce it.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43The balance will be paid immediately.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45£9,096.64.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48Can you pay it?
0:30:50 > 0:30:51Why can you not pay it?
0:30:53 > 0:30:54All right. OK.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Tracy wants Mr Khan to understand the severity
0:30:58 > 0:31:00of what happens if he doesn't pay his debt.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03Mr Khan, there's a writ which gives us the right to remove goods,
0:31:03 > 0:31:05so we are in a position to empty the premises.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Is there anybody that can help you out with this?
0:31:09 > 0:31:13If he really can't afford to pay, the sheriffs will need to see proof.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Have you got online banking?
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Do you mind if I can come with you to have a look?
0:31:19 > 0:31:21What you might tell me and what you've got available
0:31:21 > 0:31:24might be two different things. All right.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Mr Khan takes the sheriffs into his office
0:31:26 > 0:31:29to show them his bank statements.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31It's not good news.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33It's clear that he doesn't have the funds to pay in full.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38He decides he no longer wants the camera in his shop
0:31:38 > 0:31:40and we continue filming from the road.
0:31:41 > 0:31:46Inside, Mr Khan tells Adam he has £300 of his own money
0:31:46 > 0:31:48that he offers to pay towards the debt.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Given that it stands at more than £9,000,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55300 won't be enough to stop the sheriffs
0:31:55 > 0:31:57taking the shop's stock away with them.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02And that's not all. The pharmacy is not a limited company,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05and Mr Khan is trading as an individual,
0:32:05 > 0:32:09meaning his personal goods are on the line too.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Although they were told his car was broken down,
0:32:12 > 0:32:16Tracy saw him arrive in one and goes looking for it.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18It's a 540, BMW.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21It's a few years old, so the value of that...
0:32:21 > 0:32:23£1,000 max.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Mr Khan has said the car belongs to someone else
0:32:26 > 0:32:29and, as it's barely worth the cost of removing it,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32the sheriffs don't press the point.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Tracy isn't expecting to get the debt settled today.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38We empty the premises today, shut him down,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40the debt's not going to get paid, is it?
0:32:40 > 0:32:42It's looking like it's going to be an arrangement.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Back in the shop, Adam has reached the same conclusion.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50He's estimated that he might be able to raise £3,000
0:32:50 > 0:32:52by auctioning the shop's goods.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57He explains to Mr Khan that if he can come up with that figure,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00he'll list the goods, but leave them on the premises
0:33:00 > 0:33:03and set up an arrangement to pay the rest of the debt in instalments.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Before he finishes, he's interrupted.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Adam, Adam.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13We can if we can get a lump sum paid today.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- Yes.- The van's been trashed.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Somebody's stuck a brick through the van window.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21The passenger window has been smashed
0:33:21 > 0:33:23and Tracy's tablet computer stolen.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25That's a hell of a brick.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28It's a bit of a shock but there's still a job to do.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Are you ringing the police?
0:33:30 > 0:33:32I'm trying to get this money out of this bloke.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35While Adam heads back in to encourage Mr Khan
0:33:35 > 0:33:36to come up with the money,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Tracy is left to deal with the van.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41Could I have the police, please?
0:33:42 > 0:33:46Ten minutes later, Adam has finally made some progress.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50It's not yet at his £3,000 target but they're getting close.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54His partner's left to go and try and get some funds.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57She think she's got about £500 available
0:33:57 > 0:34:00in her account, so I think she's going to lend it to him.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02He's got some money coming in on Monday,
0:34:02 > 0:34:05so he wants to make a deferred payment from that
0:34:05 > 0:34:07and then come to an arrangement to pay the balance.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13The police arrive and Tracy shows them the damage.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15The perpetrators have long since fled,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18but the officers collect what evidence they can.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- SHE SIGHS - You don't want the brick, then?
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Inside the shop, Mr Khan's partner has returned.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29Adam takes the £500 she's brought from the bank
0:34:29 > 0:34:32and Mr Khan makes a £300 payment online.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38They fill out the control of goods agreement
0:34:38 > 0:34:41and Mr Khan promises to make another payment that evening.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Tracy, meanwhile, is left to clean out the van.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48Look at this, eh? A woman's work...
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Not happy about this.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Adam finishes with Mr Khan.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55Have you done a good job in there?
0:34:55 > 0:34:58500 in cash with 300 on a transfer.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00He's going to transfer 1,000 tonight.
0:35:00 > 0:35:021,000 again on Monday.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07And then he's proposed £800 a month.
0:35:08 > 0:35:14So, £800 in the bank and another 2,000 promised in the next few days.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18It's pretty close to the £3,000 that Adam said he wanted
0:35:18 > 0:35:20and not a bad result,
0:35:20 > 0:35:24considering how little value there was in the available assets.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Mr Khan admitted that he had not responded to it,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29and I think it's focused his attention today
0:35:29 > 0:35:31that he needs to deal with his creditors.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33He didn't have the funds available so, all in all,
0:35:33 > 0:35:37I think it's a decent result, given the circumstances.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41No.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44The suppliers, who are owed the money,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48accepted the arrangement proposal of £800 a month,
0:35:48 > 0:35:51which, to date, Mr Khan has been paying as agreed.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10Enforcement agents Andy Joryeff and Adie Long are in north-east London
0:36:10 > 0:36:13on their way to a business that hasn't paid a debt.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18Today, we go to Quick Cars UK Ltd in Old Street, London.
0:36:18 > 0:36:24It's a taxi rank and owes roughly around the 2,500 mark.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30The money is owed to an individual who took the cab firm to court.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32They didn't pay what was ordered,
0:36:32 > 0:36:35so the claimant's now got a writ for the money.
0:36:35 > 0:36:36There it is, Quick Cars.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38It's the one with the orange sign.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40The premises looks quite small.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46The sheriffs head in to ask for the £2,413 owing.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Hello, sir. Do you work for Quick Cars?
0:36:53 > 0:36:55My name is Mr Joryeff.
0:36:55 > 0:36:56I'm an enforcement agent.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58I'm here to enforce...
0:36:59 > 0:37:02..a High Court writ against Quick Cars UK.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Do you want to give him a call so I can speak to him?
0:37:05 > 0:37:07Excellent. Thank you.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Whether the man is a dispatcher or a driver waiting for a fare
0:37:10 > 0:37:14isn't clear, but he's not the boss and he leaves them to it.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17We've gained entry into the commercial premises.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20The gentleman that's here now appears to be an employee.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23He says that the director of the company isn't here.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25He's just on the phone to him now.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27While they wait, Adie starts to explore,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29and almost immediately finds the letter
0:37:29 > 0:37:32his own office have sent out,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35warning the business the sheriffs were coming.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37We have got an enforcement notice,
0:37:37 > 0:37:41so he can't deny that he hasn't received that letter off us.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Sheriffs are entitled to make a diligent search
0:37:44 > 0:37:46of a debtor's premises.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49And, in doing so, Andy's found something interesting.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53This Certificate of Employers' Liability
0:37:53 > 0:37:54for Quick Cars UK.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57The insurance document could prove
0:37:57 > 0:38:00the company is active and trading from here.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Moments later, the man they spoke to on the way in
0:38:04 > 0:38:06reappears with his boss on the phone.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Hello, sir. Is this Mr Patel?
0:38:10 > 0:38:11My name is Mr Joryeff.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12I'm an enforcement agent.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16I'm here in order to execute a High Court writ of control.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18The balance is £2,413.34.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20The High Court writ that we have
0:38:20 > 0:38:23commands that we take control of your assets
0:38:23 > 0:38:25to remove for sale at auction.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27The director doesn't dispute they owe the money,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30but says there are so many other debts
0:38:30 > 0:38:31he won't be able to pay it off.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34I understand exactly what you're saying.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39OK. However, the other debts are not my concern today.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Now I'm here at enforcement stage one.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46Enforcement stage two will incur an extra fee of £594.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48OK?
0:38:48 > 0:38:51It's a lot of money to come up with today,
0:38:51 > 0:38:55but a stage two fee will only add to the company's debt burden.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Get yourself down here so I can speak to you face-to-face.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01I'm going to have a look around the office area, OK?
0:39:01 > 0:39:05See what assets are here, and then we shall go from there.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08If the sheriffs are to accept a payment plan,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12they need to be convinced that it's in their client's best interests.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Should the company have assets that could be sold to clear the debt
0:39:14 > 0:39:19immediately, then they won't agree to months of small part-payments.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23He says that he's contacted the office previously,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26advising that he cannot make payment in full.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29He wishes to put forward a payment proposal
0:39:29 > 0:39:32in order to clear the debt via instalments.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35What that proposal is, I don't know.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38He's going to come down to try and get this matter sorted out.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40While they wait for the boss to arrive,
0:39:40 > 0:39:43they resume their search of the office.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Looking to see if there are any vehicles that are owned
0:39:47 > 0:39:50by the debtor. Looking through some logbooks,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53it seems as if all the drivers own their own cars.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56If they can't find something valuable,
0:39:56 > 0:40:00such as a car that could be sold for the entire amount owed,
0:40:00 > 0:40:04the sheriffs have the option of seizing everything here on paper
0:40:04 > 0:40:07while Quick Cars UK come up with the money.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09There's a possibility that we will enter him
0:40:09 > 0:40:11into a Controlled Goods Agreement today,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13but there is no point wasting time sitting around
0:40:13 > 0:40:16so I am just going to start itemising the assets now.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18There is little of value in the office,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21but there is an intriguing safe under the desk.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22Anything in the safe?
0:40:24 > 0:40:26It's locked. You've got keys for it?
0:40:26 > 0:40:29No keys? The safe is bolted to the floor.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33It is locked. We will ask the director to open that up.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Andy is hopeful that it will be stuffed with cash,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38but in the meantime, he has found some notes.
0:40:38 > 0:40:4130, 40, 50, 60.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42So £65.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Depending on what
0:40:45 > 0:40:47the director says when he arrives,
0:40:47 > 0:40:51I'll make a decision then on whether I'm going to take it or not.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Sheriffs can seize cash they find on a debtor's premises.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Unlike any other asset, if it belongs to someone else,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59the debtor will have to prove it.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01The sweep of the office is now complete,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04but they will have to wait for the boss to arrive
0:41:04 > 0:41:06to find out what is in the safe.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10If he opens up the safe, and there's plenty of money in there,
0:41:10 > 0:41:11fantastic, job done.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14However, if there isn't, we are just going to have to
0:41:14 > 0:41:17try and apply the pressure with what assets we have here today.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21We have got computer systems, the radio system.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Without this equipment, I believe they wouldn't be able to trade.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28None of it is worth very much second-hand,
0:41:28 > 0:41:31but would be expensive for the company to replace.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Andy is hoping the boss would rather pay
0:41:33 > 0:41:35than see his equipment taken away.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42And a little over an hour after the sheriffs walked in, he's here.
0:41:42 > 0:41:43Hello, sir.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53We are asked to leave.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57Inside, Andy continues his examination,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59going through the company's online banking with the boss.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04There is not much there, and when the safe is finally opened,
0:42:04 > 0:42:06there is nothing there either.
0:42:08 > 0:42:1140 minutes later, Andy and Adie are out.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15We have pushed as much as we can.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18We have managed to achieve a Controlled Goods Agreement
0:42:18 > 0:42:22with a £463 payment today.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24Following Andy and Adie's visit,
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Quick Cars UK Limited have been making payments,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29and the debt is now well on the way to being cleared.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32It's another success for the sheriffs
0:42:32 > 0:42:35and another of their clients who will finally get
0:42:35 > 0:42:37what the court has said they're owed.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Quick Cars UK Limited's director told us
0:42:41 > 0:42:44that when he took over the business...
0:42:46 > 0:42:47He said: