Thirty four arrested in fines blitz (From Warrington Guardian)

Thirty four arrested in fines blitz

CRIMINALS in Winsford who ignored the law by not paying their fines have been brought to justice as part of a joint operation by the police and courts.

The two-day operation was coordinated by Winsford Community Action Team (CAT) and Vale Royal Magistrates' Courts and resulted in the arrests of 34 people and more than £20,000 in fines collected.

Chris Williams, CAT team officer, said: "The operation has been a huge success and sends the right message out to the people who think they can get away with not paying the fines.

"People think that they have got away with it when they receive a fine for a crime in court but that is certainly not the case.

"This operation is still ongoing and the best advice I can give people who still owe outstanding fines is to hand yourself in at court because we will find you."

The operation took place on Wednesday and Thursday last week, with 15 officers chasing 50 live warrants.

PC Williams said: "It wasn't that difficult to find them. Some of them had moved address and things like that but we can and will still trace them."

The operation has also been hailed as a success by Vale Royal Magistrates' Court.

John Stewart, enforcement officer, said: "We had a special two-day court to deal with these people which resulted in a number of custodial sentences. We got together with the police and targeted what we call 'non bailers' and it was a great success."

Mr Stewart is warning that the full powers of the court will be used in sentencing people who do not pay fines.

He said: "People don't realise that they can be sent to prison for not paying fines.

"The Government is getting serious about this and there are new powers available to the court to get this money.

"The fines will not just go away and neither will we - if you don't pay up you will be caught."