Cutting off a bailiff's wheel clamp

Do not cut, damage, conceal or dispose of an enforcement agent's wheel clamp. Doing so may amount to criminal damage and may also engage the offences concerning obstruction or interference with controlled goods in paragraph 68 of Schedule 12.

A lawful excuse is fact-sensitive and should not be assumed merely because the debt, ownership or procedure is disputed. Photograph the vehicle, clamp, warning notice and any damage, and retain the Notice of Enforcement and ownership or finance documents.

Notify the enforcement company and creditor in writing of the precise objection. A third-party owner, debtor claiming an exemption or person alleging a procedural breach may require different court procedures. An injunction is exceptional and can carry costs and an undertaking in damages.

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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