A bailiff commits theft if he appropriates property belonging to someone else intending to deprive the other of it.[1]
When bailiffs take control of goods to be sold to pay a debt, he must follow regulations which include making an inventory,[2] which must include the description of those goods.[3]
Be wary of bailiffs that work in pairs.
If a bailiff secretly puts a bunch of keys into his pocket, it means he plans to return and burgle the property[4], or drive off with your car, knowing the police will treat the crime a civil matter because there is no sign of forced entry, or have an institutional belief that bailiffs are in a class above the law.[5]
If small valuable items are missing from your home not inventoried, then you are a victim of a distraction burglary.[6]
Bailiffs, in particular, High Court enforcement agents exploit their position to commit a crime against debtors knowing the police will not investigate, and police say their role is limited to preventing a breach of the peace.
If you believe the security of your property is compromised, or valuables stolen, you must report it to the police and get a reference number, then change your locks and keep a record of your expenses.
[1] Section 1(1) of the Theft Act 1968
[2] Paragraph 34(1) of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[3] Regulation 33 of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013
[4] Section 9 of the Theft Act 1968
[5] Contrary to Section 26 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015
[6] See: Distraction Burglary
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