Operation Payback - Payback time begins for fine dodgers today
London’s fine defaulters face arrest as Operation Payback gets underway
today.
Greater London Magistrates’ Courts Authority (GLMCA), the organisation
responsible for all the magistrates’ courts within the M25, is taking
part in the drive to recover unpaid fines and compensation owed to victims.
It is part of the government’s
UK-wide 'Payback’ campaign to recover criminals’ assets and prevent
money laundering.
GLMCA Director of Legal Operations Mark Eldridge, said:
"Our court enforcement officers are starting work earlier and working
later than normal so they can visit as many fine defaulters as possible.
"They will work closely with local police who will identify which outstanding
warrants should be executed, verify information and accompany court arrest
teams.
"The GLMCA is pleased to be part of this national law enforcement effort
becauseof the enormous benefits it brings, both financial and in terms of
improving public confidence in the justice system.
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" In particular, it shows that not only can many individuals and agencies
get together to form a formidable team but it reinforces our commitment to
meeting the demands and expectations of victims and the community generally.
"They expect the payment of fines and compensation orders to be enforced
and enforced rigorously and we are dedicating specific resources to do this.”
The campaign was launched by Courts Minister Christopher Leslie, who said
that fine dodgers have had ample opportunity to pay their debts.
"Defaulters who have failed to pay up could suffer serious consequences.
They include having their fine deducted from their wages or certain benefits.
If they are a persistent offender they could even be arrested and possibly
go to prison.
"I want fine defaulters and the community generally to know that we
take criminal fine default very seriously. Court decisions must not be flouted
and when they are, we will vigorously pursue offenders and ensure that justice
is done.
"If they don’t pay up, the next knock on the door could mean
payback time has come.”
John Burbeck. Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman on Criminal
Justice, said:
"The national fines blitz is part of a wider Payback campaign which
seeks to target criminals and persistent offenders to ensure that they are
brought to justice and don’t slip through the net.
"The level of co-operation between all the individuals and agencies
involved means the crack down will be a success, not only in terms of the
amount of outstanding fines collected but, significantly, because it sends
a strong and enduring message to the community that crime doesn’t pay.”
Fine defaulters still have a chance to come clean by going to their local
magistrates’ court and paying their debt.
Thousands of posters in courts
and police stations, and a major print and radio advertising campaign have
warned defaulters that Operation Payback is coming.
Notes to Editors
1. The 42 Magistrates’ Courts Committees (MCCs) have been invited to
dedicate specific resources to vigorously pursue outstanding fines.
2. GLMCA is responsible for running magistrates courts in London and is independent
of government. However, from April 2005 magistrates courts will come under
a new unified courts agency, along with all courts below the House of Lords,
for the first time.
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3. The Metropolitan Police Service’s Operation Payback was launched
in September 2003 and is a joint initiative with Customs and Excise, City
of London Police and British Transport Police.
4. The advertising campaign has cost £230,000 nationally.
5. JPEGs of the advertisement and poster are available upon request from
DCA press office – 020 7210 8512
6. As at December 2003, £354.4 million worth of financial penalties
was outstanding in England and Wales. At the end of December 2003 GLMCA
courts
were owed £126.6 million, of which £58.7 million was due
to confiscation orders and £67.8 million fines and fees. Confiscation
orders significantly skew GLMCA’s performance figures.
7. The benefits from which fines can be deducted are the Job Seekers Allowance
and Income Support and not other benefits such as disability.
8. Fines include court imposed fines and ‘on the spot’ fines,
also known as a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), that are registered as fines.
9. For more information on the GLMCA visit the website at www.glmca.org.uk issued
on behalf of the Greater London Magistrates Courts Authority by GNN London.
For more information please contact Kike Biye on Tel: 020 7261 8787; Fax:
020 7928 7082; Email: Kike Biye
Regional news releases for Government departments can be viewed at
www.gnn.gov.uk.