Can bailiffs break in?

A recent case was when a bailiff said he would call a locksmith which would he added to the value of the debt. I think this is permitted in certain circumstances

I have nothing constructive to add here - but you’ve had some very excellent advice. Just wanted to give you a ‘virtual’ hug as this must be so frightening 🤗!

Had a problem like this several years ago after moving. Replied to several different companies who sent threatening letters to the previous occupant! Most were fine but one company kept sending bailiffs to call! The only way we could get rid of one man who kept putting his foot in the door every time we tried to close the door was to fetch our Alsatian dog! The gentlest dog ever till you pulled his tail! So we pulled his tail & made him bark & growl! Man moved very fast & did not turn up again! Our lovely boy got lots of cuddles & treats to make up for it!

I had this happen to me some years back when I had just bought a house. I initially sent back all post marked "no longer at this address" but predictably, bailiffs eventually called. I answered the door, showed them the paperwork which proved my recent purchase, proved my own identity and that was the end of it.

The problem most of is have is that we are honest, and assume that because we say we are not Mrs X who owes money, the bailiffs will believe us!

Grunty

Bailiffs typically cannot enter your home without your permission, but there are some exceptions:
No force: Bailiffs cannot force their way into your home, such as by pushing past you.
Hours: Bailiffs cannot enter between 9 PM and 6 AM.
Entry points: Bailiffs cannot enter through anything other than the door.
Vulnerable people: Bailiffs cannot enter if only children under 16 or vulnerable people are present.
Court permission: Bailiffs can apply to the court for permission to use reasonable force to gain access.
Magistrates Court fines: Bailiffs can use force to break into a debtor's property if they are collecting for a Magistrates Court fine in respect of a criminal conviction.
Unpaid tax: Bailiffs employed by HMRC can force entry if the debt is unpaid tax.
Trade or business premises: County Court bailiffs and High Court enforcement officers can force entry to trade or business premises.
If you're expecting bailiffs, you can make it difficult for them to enter by keeping your doors and windows locked.

But the most obvious and sensible way of stopping them is by contacting them to tell them that the person they're looking for is no longer at that address. You can do that either by letter (I recommend using Recorded Delivery) or email. You may then be asked some questions, such as when you purchased the property and who lives there, but once you've updated them, your address would be removed from their records.

This! I would actually ring, then follow up with both an email and registered letter.

Bailiffs typically cannot enter your home without your permission, but there are some exceptions:
No force: Bailiffs cannot force their way into your home, such as by pushing past you.
Hours: Bailiffs cannot enter between 9 PM and 6 AM.
Entry points: Bailiffs cannot enter through anything other than the door.
Vulnerable people: Bailiffs cannot enter if only children under 16 or vulnerable people are present.
Court permission: Bailiffs can apply to the court for permission to use reasonable force to gain access.
Magistrates Court fines: Bailiffs can use force to break into a debtor's property if they are collecting for a Magistrates Court fine in respect of a criminal conviction.
Unpaid tax: Bailiffs employed by HMRC can force entry if the debt is unpaid tax.
Trade or business premises: County Court bailiffs and High Court enforcement officers can force entry to trade or business premises.
If you're expecting bailiffs, you can make it difficult for them to enter by keeping your doors and windows locked.

But the most obvious and sensible way of stopping them is by contacting them to tell them that the person they're looking for is no longer at that address. You can do that either by letter (I recommend using Recorded Delivery) or email. You may then be asked some questions, such as when you purchased the property and who lives there, but once you've updated them, your address would be removed from their records.

Simple answer is No. We had the same issue with DD2’s first flat - I rang the Agency, explained when we’d bought the flat and gave them the name of the estate agent who handled the sale and added that we had no forwarding address for the previous owner.

We heard no more.

No they cannot break in.