Cash or jewellery missing after an enforcement visit

Record facts carefully and avoid describing a person as a thief before the evidence is established. List each item, ownership, value, location and everyone with access.

Preserve CCTV, receipts, valuations, bank records, witnesses and paperwork. Request the inventory, notes and relevant body-worn video.

Report genuine suspected theft through 101 or online; use 999 only for a crime in progress or immediate danger. A civil claim requires proof and the correct defendant.

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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