A BAILIFF IS SOMEONE WHO IS AUTHORISED  BY THE COUNTY COURT TO COLLECT UNPAID DEBTS. 

WHEN COLLECTING ON BEHALF OF A CREDIT AGENCY  OR THIRD PARTY COLLECTION AGENCY THEN THEY WILL HAVE A WARRANT OF EXECUTION BY THE COUNTY COURT. 

BAILIFFS MUST PRODUCE IDENTIFICATION AND/OR AUTHORISATION.

BAILIFFS DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENTER YOUR PROPERTY BY FORCE.  THEY MUST GET A WARRANT TO FORCE ENTRY IF THEY SO WISH.

THEY MAY ENTER YOUR PROPERTY BY PEACEABLE MEANS SUCH AS CLIMBING THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW.

IF BAILIFFS HAVE GAINED ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY EVERYTHING THEY HAVE WRITTEN ON THEIR LIST NOW BELONGS TO THE BAILIFF.

THEY MAY LOOK IN ALL ROOMS AND BREAK OPEN LOCKED CUPBOARDS/ DOORS.

THEY CANNOT TAKE ESSENTIAL ITEMS SUCH AS COOKER, BEDDING, CLOTHING, FRIDGES AND ANY TOOLS YOU MAY USE FOR WORK. 

THEY CANNOT TAKE ANY ITEMS WHICH CLEARLY BELONGS TO A CHILD. 

ANY ITEMS BELONGING TO SOMEONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO BE RECOVERED BY THAT PERSON WITH PROOF - SUCH AS RECEIPTS OR HP AGREEMENTS.

ONLY THE ITEMS BELONGING TO THE DEBTOR MAY BE REMOVED.

MORE ABOUT BAILIFFS IN OUR INFORMATION GUIDE