Dukes Bailiffs is setting new standards in the Collection and Enforcement industry with the introduction of cutting-edge technology to protect its bailiffs as they go about their business.
Believed to be the first bailiff company to use mobile phone technology in this way, Dukes has installed Crystal Ball monitoring products in 31 staff mobile phones and 22 of its vehicles, allowing it to track employees and company cars.

The new technology features a panic button, a welfare function and tracking device and allows employees to pre-set a welfare function to their phone which notifies colleagues that they are entering a potentially dangerous situation. Crystal Ball’s Mobile Monitor and Lone Worker smart phone applications also log mobile phone calls and text messages in real time, allowing employee locations to be monitored at all times.

Managing Director Colin Naylor believes Dukes is the first bailiff company to use mobile phone technology in this way. He said “The Crystal Ball system is a marvellous use of modern technology. The data will not only help us in resolving disputes but will ensure our bailiffs can work in a safe environment”.

The system’s vehicle tracking technology provides live information, recording speed, journey time, distance and precise location. This information is stored for three months so it can be downloaded and used in situations where debtors dispute that a bailiff has been to their premises or wrongly claim to have rung them on numerous occasions.

If a bailiff allows a pre-set timer to run down without responding or acknowledging it, the alarm is automatically raised. There is also a panic button which activates an emergency response procedure and sends out location co-ordinates.

Raj Singh, Managing Director of Crystal Ball, said “The combination of vehicle tracking and smart phone technology is unique in the market and allows bailiffs to address legislation such as duty of care, corporate manslaughter and the proper use of mobile phones while driving.

“It helps staff to enforce and deal with the problems they face on a day-to-day basis, as well as providing indisputable data to help them with their work”.