How can I find someone so as I can give them with an Order to Appear For Question (re: debt owed)

[SurreyGuy]

I loaned someone some money a while back (yes, stupid, I know!).

They have never paid me back the money and have evaded all my attempts at contacting them, save for some abusive texts and Facebook messages.

I have gone through the Small Claims Court and have been awarded the judgement/the case (debt stands at £400) and have reached the point where i need the person to "Appear at Court to Substantiate Earnings". However, I now cannot find the person in order to get this Order served!

I have two addresses for the person and have written to both, but got no joy.

I know that a bailiff can serve the order for me, but they will only do it at the address that I give them.

I've run ot of ideas, so can anyone please offer me advise (omitting the obvious "you're stupid" and "let's hope that'll teach you a lesson" lectures)?

T.I.A.

[dzug2]

Well one way is to employ a private detective/enquiry agent.

But it will probably cost more than it's worth

[SurreyGuy]

Hi dzug - Thanks for your suggestion. I've already looked into that option and, as you rightly say, it's not cheap. Plus, I cannot reclaim such fees from the person that owes me the money.

[maclarencat]

Electoral register?

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks maclarencat.

Unfortunately, the electoral roll is only accurate at the time it is issued, i.e. he may not be there now.

[pink-kittens]

did you send yr mail recorded? With a signature you may learn exactly where he lives

[Sir Alec]

The police can look at the electoral register for you and maybe help prosecute this piece of dirt.

[venator]

Do you have any friends in common on Facebook who might help?

[rockyracoon]

Tracing agencies are good, I found my long lost brother through one a while back. Cost £50 up front, then if successful another £100 on top, so you have to work out if it's worthwhile really. These are who I used. http://ukpeoplesearch.co.uk/

[factor-fiction]

I very much doubt the police would be interested, Sir Alec. Is there any evidence of a criminal act? Maybe the person has just moved.

[Prudie]

Are you sure they are not at either of the addresses you have? Nothing is going to say they'll even open the letters you sent. I'd get a bailiff to do it, at least they will knock on the door.

[snorkerz]

http://www.findermonkey.co.uk will find them for £40 - no money up front and no-find-no-fee.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks for all your answers.

pink-kittens - Yes, all my correspondence has been sent recorded. The one to address "A" was sent back by his gf, stating that he no longer lived there (which I don't believe) and the one to address "B" (his parents) was delivered, but not responded to.

Sir Alec - The police aren't interested as it's a civil case as opposed to a criminal one.

venator - Yes, we have a few "friends" in common on Facebook, but they're too gutless to get involved!

rockyracoon - Thanks, I'll bear that in mind.

Prudie - I had already thought of that. I spoke to one of the court bailiffs and he said that, as it's a civil matter and is a person v person, the bailiffs have no right of entry. If it was a company trying to claim money from an individual, they would have right of entry. He went on to say that, even if they did knock on his door (a privilege for which I'd have to stump up £100), they can't force him to accept any documentation - even if he stood there taunting them and admitting everything.

snorkerz - I'll look into that.