DCBL

DCBL (Direct Collection Bailiffs Limited)

Received a letter or visit from DCBL? This guide explains who they are, what powers they have, your legal rights, and how to respond.

Who Are DCBL?

DCBL (Direct Collection Bailiffs Limited) is one of the largest High Court Enforcement companies in the UK. They gained significant public attention through the Channel 5 TV show “Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!” which featured their enforcement agents.

Company Details:

Company Number: 02835851
Registered Address: Meadow Court, Meadow Lane, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 4EB
Status: High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) and certificated enforcement agents

They may be visiting because:

A High Court Writ has been issued against you
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) has been transferred to the High Court
Commercial rent arrears are being enforced (CRAR)
Business debts require enforcement
Eviction orders are being executed

Contact Details

DCBL (Direct Collection Bailiffs Limited)

Meadow Court Meadow Lane Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 4EB

Company Number: 02835851

What Powers Do DCBL Have?

As High Court Enforcement Officers, DCBL have significant legal powers:

They CAN:

Enter your property peacefully through any unlocked door
Take control of goods to sell at auction
Seize vehicles without warning on the public highway
Charge substantial fees (High Court fees are higher than county court)
Return multiple times to complete enforcement
Force entry in certain circumstances (after controlled goods agreement, for CRAR)

They CANNOT:

Force entry to residential property on first visit (most writs)
Take essential items (basic furniture, clothing, bedding)
Take items on HP, lease, or rental
Take items belonging to third parties
Enter between 9pm and 6am without permission
Use violence or threaten violence
Enter if only children under 16 are present

Your Legal Rights

Notice Requirements

High Court Enforcement has different rules:

No 7-day notice required - HCEOs can attend without warning
After taking control of goods, they must give notice before returning to remove them
For Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR), 7 days’ notice is required

During a Visit

You have the right to:

Request identification - they must show their HCEO certificate and badge
See the writ of control - the document authorising their visit
Not let them in - keep doors locked (residential property)
Request time to contact a solicitor
Record the visit - you can film or record for your own records

High Court Fee Structure

High Court fees are substantial:

Compliance stage: £75
Enforcement stage 1: £190 (+ 7.5% of debt over £1,000)
Enforcement stage 2: £495
Sale/disposal stage: £525 (+ 7.5% of debt over £1,000)

These can add thousands to your debt.

How to Respond to DCBL

Step 1: Understand the Seriousness

A High Court Writ is serious. Unlike ordinary debt collectors, HCEOs have immediate enforcement powers. Act quickly.

Step 2: Check the Writ

Verify it’s yours - check names, addresses, dates
Understand the debt - what’s the original judgment for?
Check if properly served - did you receive court papers originally?

Step 3: Consider Your Options

If you can pay:

Pay immediately to stop enforcement and minimise fees
They may accept a payment plan, but they can refuse
Full payment stops all action

If you can’t pay:

Keep all doors locked - they cannot break in on first visit (residential)
Seek urgent legal advice - you may be able to challenge the judgment
Consider insolvency options - IVA or bankruptcy stops all enforcement
Apply to set aside - if you weren’t properly notified of court proceedings

Step 4: Act Now

Every day of delay adds fees. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Can DCBL Force Entry?

Residential Property:

First visit: NO - they cannot break in
After controlled goods agreement: YES - they can force entry to remove goods
Eviction warrants: YES - they can force entry

Business Premises:

CRAR (rent arrears): They can force entry after required notice
High Court writs: More powers than residential

Vehicles:

DCBL can seize vehicles on public roads without warning
If owned outright and registered to the debtor, it can be clamped or towed

What Items Can DCBL Take?

Protected Items (CANNOT be taken):

Basic domestic furniture (beds, tables, chairs)
Clothing and bedding for the household
Essential appliances (cooker, fridge, washing machine)
Medical equipment
Tools of trade (up to £1,350 value)
Items on HP, lease, or credit agreement
Items clearly belonging to third parties

Items They CAN Take:

Vehicles (if owned outright)
Electronics (TVs, computers, games consoles)
Jewellery and watches
Non-essential furniture and furnishings
Business equipment and stock
Valuables and antiques

Challenging DCBL Enforcement

You may be able to challenge if:

The Original Judgment Was Wrong

You weren’t properly served with court papers
You have a valid defence that wasn’t heard
The judgment was obtained by fraud or error

The Enforcement Is Improper

The writ contains errors
They’re taking protected items
They’ve charged incorrect fees
They’ve acted outside their powers

How to Challenge

Apply to the High Court to set aside the judgment
Apply to stay enforcement pending appeal
Complain to the High Court Enforcement Officers Association
Seek urgent legal advice - time limits apply

Making a Complaint About DCBL

If DCBL have acted improperly:

Step 1: Complain to DCBL

Write to their registered address with full details of your complaint.

Step 2: Escalate to Professional Bodies

High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA)
Ministry of Justice - oversees HCEO certification
Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA)

Step 3: Legal Action

For serious breaches, consult a solicitor about:

Application to court for relief
Damages for wrongful enforcement
Return of improperly seized goods

Struggling With Debt?

High Court enforcement means your debt situation has escalated significantly. These formal solutions stop all enforcement action:

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - Legally binding arrangement that freezes all enforcement. Can write off up to 70% of debt. Check if you qualify.

Bankruptcy - Stops all enforcement immediately. Serious consequences but provides protection.

Debt Relief Order - For those with low income and few assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DCBL the company from “Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!”?

Yes. DCBL’s enforcement agents were featured in the Channel 5 programme. The show depicts real High Court enforcement visits.

Can DCBL take my car from outside my house?

Yes, if it’s on a public road and you own it outright. They can clamp or tow it without warning as long as the registered keeper matches the debtor.

What if I wasn’t aware of the court case?

You may be able to apply to “set aside” the judgment if you weren’t properly served. Seek legal advice urgently.

Can they come back if I don’t let them in?

Yes. They will keep returning and fees will increase. Eventually, if they can’t collect, the creditor may pursue other enforcement methods.

How do I stop DCBL permanently?

Pay the debt in full, or enter a formal insolvency arrangement (IVA, bankruptcy) which legally stops all enforcement.

High Court enforcement is serious. Check your debt relief options and get protected today.