Fifty people with outstanding warrants valued at more than $246,000 have been caught following a sheriff’s blitz at Lalor.
The sheriff’s operation at VR Michael Reserve on September 8 pulled over drivers with 593 outstanding warrants with the help of automatic number plate recognition technology.
It was run by police and sheriff’s officers from the north-west region as part of a focus on enforcing outstanding debts with tough sanctions and penalties.
Payments were received from 25 people on the day, finalising 123 warrants totalling more than $43,700.
Three drivers had their wheels clamped and were required to arrange payment before clamps were removed.
A further 22 drivers, with 401 warrants totalling nearly $167,500, were told they would have their drivers’ licences or registrations suspended if they do not pay their fines within seven days.
Victorian sheriff Brendan Facey said his office often targeted operations around events, shopping centres and festivities.
“People issued with an infringement notice have a number of opportunities to deal with their matter before a warrant is issued,” he said.
“Sheriff officers have a range of enforcement options, including suspending a driver’s licence or registration … seizing or selling assets.”
Details about outstanding fines can be followed up at 1300 SHERIFF.
