It shall be the duty of the officer having an order for replevin, to serve the same upon the defendant, whether the property is found or delivered to him or her, or not, unless, when none of the property is found, the officer is otherwise directed by the plaintiff or his or her attorney or agent.
     If the defendant fails to deliver up to the sheriff the chattel which is the subject of the order for replevin and the plaintiff has a reasonable belief as to where the chattel is sequestered, the court may authorize the sheriff to use reasonable force to enter into the property to recover same upon such terms and conditions as the court may direct.