PEOPLE who try to avoid paying court fines will be targeted in a nationwide month-long campaign launched today (Monday) by Her Majesty s Courts Service. Operation Crackdown will see court enforcement officers and police involved in a series of blitzes on

PEOPLE who try to avoid paying court fines will be targeted in a nationwide month-long campaign launched today (Monday) by Her Majesty's Courts Service.

Operation Crackdown will see court enforcement officers and police involved in a series of blitzes on offenders' homes to chase up payments.

Approved enforcement agencies will also be issued with warrants to confiscate property.

Where necessary, those who refuse to co-operate will be arrested. Court time will be set aside to deal specifically with the dodgers.

Mark Stewart, the service's area director for Herts and Beds, said: "Our message to fine dodgers is clear - if you've been fined, we will find you."

In the 12 months to last September, 960 attachment of earnings orders and 11,031 deduction from benefits orders were issued in the two counties.