COUGH UP ALL UNPAID FINES, OR ELSE! (From Warrington Guardian)

COUGH UP ALL UNPAID FINES, OR ELSE!

POLICE have warned fine dodgers to expect a knock at the door as part of a major operation which has so far resulted in dozens of arrests and £200,000 in payments.

Unsuspecting fine dodgers have been visited by police and fine collectors this month as part of the on-going Operation Pay Back.

Police arrested 44 people, while the joint operation between Cheshire Magistrates' Court and the police has so far collected £200,000 of unpaid court fines.

Inspector Brian Heywood, of Warrington police's community action team, said: "Together we have significantly reduced the number of unpaid fines in the borough.

"However, there are still a number of people who are yet to pay up. Those people know who they are and it is only a matter of time before we catch up with them and knock on their door."

A police spokesman said 562 warrants have so far been executed since November 8.

Forty four people were arrested, while £13,500 was collected from 79 people, who paid what they owed in full on the spot to avoid arrest.

Kevin Reynolds, Cheshire Magistrates' Court senior enforcement officer, said the operation had been a "resounding success" and said his team would continue to track down people who have warrants issued against them.

He warned: "If you have outstanding fines and don't want that knock on the door, attend Warrington Magistrates' Court, at Arpley Street, on Wednesdays. Warrants don't go away - we will find you and arrest you."

The court sent out letters in October warning offenders they would face arrest if they did not pay up. At that point, 91 people took heed and attended Warrington Magistrates' Court to clear their debts.