Fine evaders caught in Sheriff blitz

A sheriff’s blitz in Lalor has caught 52 people with more than 400 outstanding warrants.

The June 2 operation was run in High Street, Lalor, adjacent to VR Michael Reserve, by uniformed officers from the north western metropolitan region.

The blitz focused on enforcing outstanding debts with tough sanctions and penalties and used automatic number plate recognition technology to identify offenders.

It uncovered 432 outstanding warrants valued at nearly $165,000.

Payment was received from 29 people on the day, finalising 103 warrants valued at more than $40,000.

The wheels were clamped on nine vehicles and drivers were required to arrange payment to have the clamps removed.

Fifteen drivers with 289 warrants valued at more than $105,000 were notified that their driver’s licence or vehicle registration would be suspended if they did not arrange to pay within seven days.

Sheriff of Victoria, Brendan Facey, said operations would continue in an effort to stamp out fine evasion and to remind people of the serious consequences if they did not pay their fines.

“Sheriff’s officers will continue to conduct special operations, roadblocks and blitzes and are increasingly utilising automatic number plate recognition technology to more efficiently target fine dodgers on Victorian roads,” he said.

Anyone with concerns about their outstanding fines should call 1300 SHERIFF to discuss their options.