Wiltshire Police has collected more than £28,000 in unpaid court fines during a day of action this week.

 

Officers joined forces with Wiltshire Magistrates Court Warrant Officers on Tuesday 18th December 2012 to collect the unpaid fines as part of a new operation.

As a result of the operation, two arrests were made in Swindon, one in the Marlborough area and one in Chippenham for the non-payment of court fines.

 

PC Kevin Harmsworth from Headquarters Response team said: "This operation lets offenders know that they will be located and held accountable for their actions.

"These people have been convicted of an offence at court but have failed to pay outstanding court fines or costs.

 

"The effect of having a Police Officer arrive with a Court Warrant Officer drives home the message that arrest is a very real outcome for non-payment.

"This operation was a huge success with more than £28,000 collected and four people arrested.

 

"These fines can be anything from £35 to £10,000 so it is important that this money is collected.

"This operation will be run again in the New Year."

 

If the offender is unable to pay the fine in full, a method of repayment is agreed with the court service.

Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.