Threatened by a baliff

[Sprout]

Hi all,

Today I answered the door to a person who did not identify himself but simply asked who I was, so I in return asked who he was looking for, it turns out he is seeking Mr X that moved away over 2 years ago, which I duly informed him, at this point he has not identified himself or explained the reason for calling at my property.

I asked the gentleman (who was covered in tattoos and built like the proverbial outhouse) who he was and why he wanted Mr X, he then identified himself as a 'court officer' and asked for my name, when I declined to give this on the grounds that he had no right to it he replied..
"Yes I do, I have a warrant"
I pointed out that the warrant was for Mr X and not for myself and hence not valid he then stated.
"well if you do not give me a name I will come back with a locksmith and gain entry that way"

at this point I demanded some form of ID he very briefly flashed a laminated card without any kind of photo and would not let me look at it.

The conversation was more protracted than above and included such things his right to enter the property and as stated above that he was a 'court officer' and would come back with the police.

On searching the HMCS site his name is not listed.

I was left feeling rather shaken and intimidated by this encounter.

I contacted his head office only to be informed that there is no management on site after 5pm and anyway they do not take complaints over the phone.

As I am not the subject of the warrant but merely the person that was threatened by the baliff, who in my opinion (and please correct me if I am wrong) misrepresented himself as a 'Court officer' the SAR would not be relevant, I am at a loss as to what to do as I am still concerned that this 'person' will call back to the house at some time.

Let the advice (and feathers no doubt) fly please.

[messimoo]

Re: Threatened by a baliff

if the walking talking rectum comes back record the converstion on your phone or camera. a few years ago a bailiff actually lost his licence for doing what this guy has done he cannot use a locksmith or threaten you with the police you are not the person he was looking for but these W****** will chance thier luck to anything to make a quick buck. do not speak to him via an open door as we will try and let himself in. Use an upstairs window and speak through that. write to his employers telling them he has broken the law and you have video evidence of his threeats PS what company was this from.

[Sprout]

Re: Threatened by a baliff

I wasn't sure on the legal standing of naming the company so did not but it was 'Excel Civil Enforcement' of Colwyn Bay

[marshallka]

Re: Threatened by a baliff

If they have acted out of sorts then I note they are a member here

ESA | Member Directory

and have to follow a code of practice. I would have a read through this code and if you find they have actually broken any of it then make a complaint maybe.

[WendyB]

Re: Threatened by a baliff

Make a complaint to them anyway. Problem with bailiffs is that on the whole they are bullies who earn their living by intimidating people. If he comes back don't answer the door. I would be inclined to put a notice on the outsdie of the door addressed to "Excel Civil Enforccement and any person(s) employed by them or acting on their behalf", stating that Mr X does not live at this address. You have no dealings with them, any warrant they have is not enforceable etc etc, and any further contact from them unless it is a written apology for their bailiff's conduct will be considered harassment and reported to the Police immediately. Also email and write something similar to their office address. Don't give them your phone number under any circumstances, put everything in writing but if you do phone them then make sure your number is withheld.

To be honest, they can be very intimidating but you did exactly the right things in not letting him in etc. As I said on the whole they are bullies but will crawl back under their stones when they realise that you are going to stand up to them. Just remember that bailiffs lie as a matter of course, you will know when this is happening because his lips will be moving and he will be talking rubbish.

As to the warrant and the threats of locksmiths etc, this is more garbage. Bailiffs are not allowed to misreprent themselves or the law, he could lose his licence for this, if indeed he has one in the first place, which would appear to be in doubt.