Bailiffs powers

[Davypops]

Is it correct that if you let in a bailiff (I know you don't have to, but if..) and declared items of property which he has his eye on as belonging to another person, they can't seize them? Does that person have to be there, or is a name and address enough? The debt is court costs ( not a fine). And do you get charged for every single visit? Thank you all.

[ummmm]

I'm not sure about the costs but court bailiffs do not put charges on like private bailiffs. I think they have more powers though but are easier to negotiate with. They cannot take things that belong to another person.

[kira000]

They cannot take what belongs to another person, but the onus is to a large extent on you to prove the items are someone elses. Just saying, "oh thats not mine" isnt going to stop them. You need to have proof of ownership i.e receipts for purchase etc. Some bailiffs are good, others unfortunately not so, and are less inclined to listen before acting. If you are going to let one in to assess property, i'd advise that you ensure you have a list ready detailing all the things that are not yours and the evidence to support that, ready in advance. It will make life easier for everyone.

[Davypops]

Thanks for the two replies out there. Will follow that.

[ummmm]

Court bailiffs are the good ones.

[craft1948]

but yes you do pay for every execution of warrant.....

[themas]

By far the simplest thing is not to let them in. Unless they are coming about a criminal Court fine they cannot break in (unless they have previously been allowed in on an earlier visit), but can get in through an open or unlocked window or door. They cannot force entry by pushing past you at the door. Once you let them in, it is very difficult to prove things don't belong to you as most people don't keep receipts. The owners might have to prepare & swear a Statutory Declaration,which ought to be accepted.

If you have a car, don't leave it anywhere in the area in the open. They can clamp it & then take possession of it.

[Davypops]

Themas. Thanks. That's the road I'm then.

[PWA]

Get anything valuable to your Mums house, a mates or whatever. If it doesn't exist then they can't take it.

[Davypops]

PWA. Good one. There's only the telly. (Could say I'm a TV researcher and therefore it's "tools" ?) Got a comp. too but, same reason, ? There's nothing else anyway.