DCBL

Worried about DCBL?

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If you’ve seen Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away, you’ll know who DCBL are. They’re bailiffs. And when they knock, it’s scary.

But here’s what most people don’t know: bailiffs like DCBL must stop if you’re in a proper debt solution. That means no more doorstep visits. No more threats. And no more letters through the post.

The key is acting before they take anything. Once a car or item is gone, it’s hard to get it back.

No stress. No drama. Just the right help, at the right time.

Who are DCBL?

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DCBL (Direct Collection Bailiffs Limited) is one of the largest enforcement companies in the UK. They have been operating since 2001 and are known for their work in debt recovery and High Court enforcement. DCBL claim to have a 98% client retention rate, based on the service they provide to the businesses they work with.

DCBL offers the following services:

• Debt recovery

• High Court enforcement

• Security services

They operate across the UK through five regional offices. DCBL use advanced tracing and financial databases to track people who owe money to them or their clients. Each year, they collect tens of millions of pounds.

DCBL is also known from the Channel 5 TV show “Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away,” which featured their enforcement agents carrying out High Court orders.

Important: What to Do If DCBL Contact You

If you have received a letter, call, or visit from DCBL, it is important to take action immediately. DCBL enforcement agents may:

• Try to enter your home

• Attempt to take vehicles parked on your driveway or near your house

To protect yourself, follow these steps:

• Move your car away from your home if it is at risk of being taken

Time is crucial. The sooner you act, the more options you will have to deal with the situation and avoid enforcement action.

Are DCBL legit?

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Yes, DCBL debt collectors are a Private Limited Company (Ltd) registered with Companies House through company number 07408649. They have a registered office in Cheshire.

The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

What does DCBL mean?

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DCBL is short for Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd.

Who owns Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd?

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According to Companies House, the current Directors of this debt collection agency are:

• Darren Connor
• Stephen Pinner
• Gary Robinson ( the current CEO)
• Simon Williamson

Heard from DCBL? Here’s what to do.

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If you’ve had a letter, call, text, or visit from DCBL, they’re likely chasing a debt. This could be from missed payments, a credit agreement, or even an unpaid fine—like a parking ticket.

Check the letter carefully. It should say who they’re collecting for. Make sure the debt is yours. If it’s not, tell them straight away. Sometimes they contact the wrong person, especially if you’ve moved house or have a common name.

Don’t ignore it. If the debt is yours and you don’t deal with it, more fees can be added. That only makes things harder later on.

You don’t have to face this alone. There are ways to stop further action, but you need to act early.

Who do DCBL collect for?

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They collect for a wide range of consumer and commercial debts including:

• Parking fines
• Unpaid rent from tenants
• Commercial lease forfeiture
• Unpaid loan accounts
• Credit card debt
• Unpaid utilities

DCBL’s Role in Debt Recovery

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DCBL, which stands for Direct Collection Bailiffs Limited, is a well-known debt collection agency in the UK. They work on behalf of creditors to recover unpaid debts from both individuals and businesses.

Their main services include:

• High Court enforcement

• Commercial rent recovery

• Consumer debt collection

DCBL is active across the UK and is known for being quick and efficient in recovering money that is owed. Whether it involves unpaid rent, enforcing a High Court writ, or collecting overdue bills, DCBL helps creditors get back the money they are owed through a wide range of enforcement methods.

If you have been contacted by DCBL, it usually means a company has asked them to collect a debt on their behalf.

Do bailiffs send letters first?

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DCBL usually sends a notice of enforcement first. This is a formal letter that tells you:

• How much you owe

• Who the debt is with

• That you have 7 days to pay before they visit

The people who deliver these letters are bailiffs—also called High Court Enforcement Officers.

If you don’t reply or agree a payment plan, they may visit your home. In most cases, they need a court order to do this. But there are exceptions. For example, if the debt is owed to HMRC (like unpaid tax), they can visit without going to court.

It’s best not to wait.

If you’re unsure what to do, we can help. Our team can walk you through your options and connect you with free debt advice.

Can DCBL bailiffs force entry into my property?

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For the majority of debts, DCBL bailiffs are not allowed to force entry into your home. They can only enter through your door with your permission during certain times of day, and only if there is an adult present. We recommend that you do not let bailiffs or a debt collector into your home; otherwise, they may start taking control of goods that amount to the debt repayments they are seeking from you.

Bailiffs who are collecting criminal fines or HMRC-related debt can force entry to a property under particular circumstances.

How many visits can bailiffs make to my property?

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There is no set limit to the number of visits a bailiff can make to your property. They are likely to add additional fees to your total debt account every time they visit, meaning the enforcement officers will be looking for more assets to take away, or items they can sell for a higher price.

What property can a bailiff take?

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If a bailiff has entered your property with your permission, or they have the legal right to force entry, then they can seize goods to sell to pay off your debt.

The ‘Taking Control of Goods Regulations’ specify what items they can and can’t take.

Typically an enforcement officer can not remove essential items including:

• Clothing
• Bedding
• Refrigerator
• Items required to care for children
• Vehicles displayed a disabled person’s badge
• Work equipment to a certain value

What rights do I have if DCBL are chasing me?

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Being chased by debt collectors and bailiffs can be a very stressful experience. As a UK citizen, you have several rights, including:

• You should not feel harassed, threatened, verbally or physically abused
• The collector should not discuss the details of your debt with friends, family or neighbours
• The debt agency can not lie to you
• They can not forge documents to appear to be official court documents
• Bailiffs can only visit between 6 am and 9 pm, and only if an adult is present
• In most cases, bailiffs can not force entry to your property

Debt Collection Methods

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DCBL employs various debt collection methods to recover debts from individuals and businesses. These methods include sending letters and notices, making phone calls, and visiting debtors in person. In certain circumstances, DCBL may also use enforcement agents to recover debts.

Their debt collection methods are designed to be effective while also complying with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Consumer Credit Act. By using a combination of communication and enforcement strategies, DCBL aims to recover debts efficiently while respecting the rights of debtors.

What’s the best way to deal with DCBL?

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Dealing with debt collectors and bailiffs on your own can be a frightening experience. In fact, things can often feel out of control and like there is nothing you can do. However, there is an end in sight. If you find the right debt advice, your future will soon look a lot brighter.

How we can help you

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If you are facing debt problems and a debt agency is chasing you for payments, we may be able to help you. We work with a wide range of debt companies and solutions. We’ll carefully listen to your situation and help you to understand your rights.

We’ve supported hundreds of clients to free themselves from stressful collections processes by finding a debt repayment approach that works for their circumstances.

Understanding Your Debt

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If you owe money to a creditor and are being contacted by DCBL, it’s essential to understand your debt and the debt recovery process. DCBL will typically send you a letter or notice outlining the amount you owe and the steps you need to take to pay off the debt.

If you’re struggling to pay your debt, it’s crucial to communicate with DCBL and explore options for debt repayment. You may also want to seek help and support from a debt advice organisation or a financial advisor. Understanding the specifics of your debt and the available options can help you manage the situation more effectively and avoid further complications.

Seeking Help and Support

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If you’re being contacted by DCBL and are struggling to pay your debt, there are several options available to you. You can seek help and support from a debt advice organisation, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or the National Debtline. These organisations can provide you with free and impartial advice on managing your debt and negotiating with creditors.

You may also want to consider seeking help from a financial advisor or a debt management company. DCBL offers a range of debt repayment options, including payment plans and debt consolidation. It’s essential to communicate with DCBL and explore these options to find a solution that works for you.

Taking proactive steps and seeking the right support can make a significant difference in managing your debt effectively.

DCBL Frequently Asked Questions

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If you have unsecured debts that total £5,000 or more, then you may qualify for an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).

DCBL debt recovery operate from five regional offices, spread across the UK map, with contact information as follows:

• LONDON: Solar House, 915 High Road, North Finchley, London, N12 8QJ
• MIDLANDS: Colmore Plaza, 20 Colmore Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6AT
• WALES: Sophia House, 28 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9LJ, Wales
• THE NORTH WEST: Direct House, Greenwood Drive, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1UG
• SCOTLAND: Barn Cliuth Business Centre, Town Head Street, Hamilton, ML3 7DP

Each DCBL regional office also has specific contact details for calls as follows:

• North West 01606 608 267

DCBL do not list an email address for debtors to contact them through on their website.

They provide a contact form and the email address sales@DFMSltd.com for companies interested in their services, such as debt collection and security.

DCBL have an online payment portal on their website. To login, you need:

• Your customer reference number
• Your postcode

The portal allows the debtor to make payments by credit card and debit card. You can also call the company to discuss a repayment plan or a settlement offer.

If you have a complaint about a DCBL you can contact them in the following ways:

• By email: complaints@dcbltd.com
• By post: Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd, Direct House, Greenwood Drive, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1UG, England

As the Financial Conduct Authority regulates the company, you can refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) where it relates to a product that comes under the Consumer Credit Act.

For other complaints, you can contact the Credit Services Association at complaints@csa-uk.com.

Numerous organisations assist people who are facing debt problems. These organisations have extensive knowledge about debt regulations, and the guidelines debt collection agencies must follow.

Some of the organisations who can help guide you and provide free information and tools are:

• National Debtline
• StepChange
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Debt Advice Foundation

Please note, you are not alone. Millions of people find themselves in trouble with debt on an annual basis, and there is always something that you can do to improve your situation.

It’s possible for a creditor to seek a court order, known as an ‘attachment of earnings order’, which allows them to take money directly from your salary each month.

At the time of writing, they are not one of the debt collection firms that HMRC list on their website.

In certain circumstances, bailiffs are legally able to enter your property using reasonable force. This term generally means one of the following scenarios in England and Wales:

• They can enter through an unlocked door or window
• They can use a locksmith.

The company offers a range of services for clients across the UK including:

• Executing High Court Writs and County Court Judgments (CCJs) that have a value of over £600
• Removing tenants and squatters from properties, known as residential possession services
• Enforcing Employment Tribunal awards
• Removing travellers from private land
• Collecting overdue rent on commercial properties

A creditor can apply for a CCJ through the courts, which enables them to take further action to recover your debt. Unless you pay the debt within 30 days of the court granting the CCJ, then this will stay on your credit report for six years and limit your ability to secure further lending, such as a mortgage.