How to trace and recover a vehicle removed by enforcement agents

First establish who removed the vehicle and the authority relied upon. Check with the creditor, council or enforcement company; in London, the official TRACE service may identify a removed vehicle.

Use 999 only for a crime in progress or immediate danger. If theft is genuinely suspected and no lawful remover can be identified, use 101 or the police online service and disclose any known enforcement action.

Preserve notices, photographs, CCTV, ownership and finance documents and the inventory. The proper remedy may be a third-party claim, debt-specific appeal, stay or application under CPR Part 84.

Sources and scope

This site concerns England and Wales. Principal sources include Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014, CPR Part 84 and the GOV.UK bailiff guide.

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