[1] They can also serve court documents and effect and supervise the possession of property and the return of goods under hire purchase agreements.
Section 85(4) of the County Courts Act 1984 states: It shall be the duty of every constable within his jurisdiction to assist in the execution of every such warrant.
This is rarely used and if the police are called they will generally be there to prevent a breach of the peace.
There has been debate about the lack of training that police are given with respect to the powers of bailiffs whilst executing a warrant.
[2] Section 14 of the County Court Act 1984 gives the following penalty: If any person assaults an officer of a court while in the execution of his duty, he shall be liable— A debtor's vehicle can be immobilised or removed and goods can be taken up to the value of outstanding judgment plus additional bailiff/removal/auction house fees.