Reporting Bailiff Crime To The Police
Reporting crimes committed by bailiffs or enforcement agents can be particularly challenging, as the police often classify these incidents as a civil matter. However, your role as a victim is crucial. Even when there is compelling evidence, and the crime is severe, the police tend to resist investigating such cases, let alone referring them to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Your first-person account is a valuable tool in reporting bailiff crime. You can report directly through your local police force’s website, providing a prompt, detailed account of the offence.
Your account should outline the circumstances, nature of the crime, and the identity of the suspect involved.
In situations where you or others are in immediate danger or if an assault has occurred, immediate action is crucial. Dial 999 to ensure the police Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system logs the incident in real-time. This real-time logging preserves valuable evidence for future use.
When reporting bailiff crime via the non-emergency 101 number, be prepared for potential challenges. Police call handlers are typically trained to dismiss such incidents as civil matters, often refusing to record your complaint on the CAD system.
It is advisable to record your call so you have a record of the conversation, which can be used as evidence if needed.
If the offence involves fraud, then you may report it to Action Fraud, which is a private company that the City of London Police manages.
While the likelihood of police investigation may be slim, having reported the crime strengthens your case if you decide to bring a civil claim for breaches in enforcement.
Common crimes committed by bailiffs include criminal damage to property, assault, fraud or embezzlement, possession of a fake warrant, unlawful entry, operating without a valid certificate, vehicle-related offences, and impersonating a police officer.
When reporting bailiff crime, gather the following key details:
Document everything while the details are still fresh in your mind. Your written account should be organised chronologically, with each event described in a separate paragraph, written in the first person and your own words. This narrative will form the foundation of your police witness statement.
Should a police officer dismiss your complaint or refuse to investigate, make sure to record their name or that of the call handler, as they may be committing an offence themselves.
Consider contacting our helpline for a consultation to identify the relevant legislation under which the offences fall. Our experts can assess whether you have a viable case to present to the Crown Prosecution Service, seeking to lay the information before the court.
If appropriate, we can guide you through the process of issuing a summons for the suspect, requiring them to appear in court to respond to the information or enter a plea.