Protecting your goods and vehicle lawfully

Use lawful exemptions, ownership evidence and court procedures; do not hide, transfer or interfere with goods once they are bound by an enforcement power.

Check the debt, creditor, authority, notice, amount and agent's identity immediately. Keep doors locked if you do not wish to admit the agent, communicate safely and do not use force or obstruct lawful action.

Keep invoices, bank records, finance agreements and evidence of work or disability use. A paper transfer, another person's land or a badge that does not lawfully apply does not create an exemption.

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.

This article or page was last checked on . The next check will be on . Law and procedure can change; check the current official position before acting.