Dealing with Bailiffs Harassment

jojo1964

Just trying to get things straight in my own mind.

1. As long as i dont allow them in, or leave a door, or window open, they cannot enter (unless they have the relevant court order).

2 What are they not allowed to take?, i read that presents that have been given to the kids are exempt, am i correct? the computer was a present for the kids, although it is in the living room, and is used by all the family, and probably contains personal information.

3. Can they simply walk in through an unlocked door without knocking first?

4. Are they legally able to rifle through drawers and cupboards to search for items?

5. Can they enter bedrooms, and search, or is it just a visual search?


I know it wont come to this, as i am going to keep up with the payments i have offered, but its always nice to know exactly where i stand.

Thanks in advance.

never-in-doubt

1. As long as i dont allow them in, or leave a door, or window open, they cannot enter (unless they have the relevant court order).

Yes correct. They cannot force entry, so if you have kids make sure they do not open the door! Speak through a letter box or ignore them!

2 What are they not allowed to take?, i read that presents that have been given to the kids are exempt, am i correct? the computer was a present for the kids, although it is in the living room, and is used by all the family, and probably contains personal information.

They cannot take work items and/or clothing/basic living necessities. They would take the PC, obviously its a high value item! But they will not get in, right? They can take a car on the drive (park on a mates drive or round the corner) - beware though, parking off road on public roads mean they could take it if they know the reg number - so a mates PRIVATE property is the best route.

3. Can they simply walk in through an unlocked door without knocking first?

Yes. Although by rights, if they did this you'd clout them with a hammer and act as though they are robbers. Sorry but it is the law!

4. Are they legally able to rifle through drawers and cupboards to search for items?

Yes they may do this but as above, they won't get in If it breaches your human rights they can get done for it, i.e. they cannot rifle through your (assuming you are female) knicker drawer.!!!

5. Can they enter bedrooms, and search, or is it just a visual search?

Yes, but it should be visual but they always take the mickey - usually you'll find they come in pairs, one talks to you (distraction) the other searches in hidden places like drawers etc

jojo1964

Im male , by the way.

jojo1964

Further update

This company dont hang around.

Whilst at work, my wife had a knock on the door (or many) and realising who it probably was, refused to answer the door, result.

Notice of seizure of goods
Council tax

£1189.40 Arrears

£59.80 Levy Fee

£24.80 Redemption of goods fee.

My car was on the driveway, but is SORN, so could not have moved it anyway, but that is what they have seized.

I think they are a bit peed off with me.

Will try and contact the council today to try and have the order/warrant lifted, as i feel that my offer of £150 per month is reasonable, considering my circumstances.

Any advice in the meantime would be appreciated.

jojo1964

Further update.

Phoned the council, problem sorted, they have to accept my offer of £150 per month.

They couldnt understand why the bailffs had been involved, as i had always paid in the past.

Still its all over now.

never-in-doubt

jojo1964 wrote: »

Further update.

Phoned the council, problem sorted, they have to accept my offer of £150 per month.

They couldnt understand why the bailffs had been involved, as i had always paid in the past.

Still its all over now.

Excellent - well done (although i'm sure we were saying ring the council at the very start lol)..........

At least you've learned something with all this

Innocent_Guy

Just had an Equifax alert, ANOTHER DCA has searched my credit report!
That is 2 in 1 month! Sooo annoyed......:mad:

never-in-doubt

Innocent_Guy wrote: »

Just had an Equifax alert, ANOTHER DCA has searched my credit report!
That is 2 in 1 month! Sooo annoyed......:mad:

They stay for 2yrs mate and every lender will be able to see them and know that you're in debt (or not, as the case may be)......

I am suing Equifax cos of this same problem - nightmare mate. :beer:

Innocent_Guy

never-in-doubt wrote: »

They stay for 2yrs mate and every lender will be able to see them and know that you're in debt (or not, as the case may be)......

I am suing Equifax cos of this same problem - nightmare mate. :beer:

This is a due to the incorrect links.... So annoyed. I have a letter for Lowells apoligising for bothering me as they had an incorrect trace.!:mad:

This DCA is called Village? Never heard of them

legendkiller2k8

I had a letter hand delivered from a bailiff for a debt. He is a county court bailiff and the debt is for provident. In his letter he stated a locksmith and a van has been booked to gain entry to my property to remove goods . And the police may also be involved. However he has never been into my property and that letter he delivered was his first visit.
Am i right in thinking he cannot use the locksmith to gain entry as it would be classed as forceful entry and also he cannot gain access unless it's peacefulo aka a window or door left unlocked?
I would be grateful for any advise.
Before anyone says well pay the debt £2500 is a lot to come up with when on jsa and i am trying to find a way to pay most of it.