CROOKS who try to dodge paying court fines will be targeted in a month-long crackdown starting today (Tuesday).

Court enforcement teams and police officers will be embarking on ‘a series of blitzes’ of offenders’ homes to collect unpaid cash.

Bailiffs will also be issued with warrants to confiscate property, while people who refuse to co-operate will be arrested and face new charges.

This follows a similar operation by Her Majesty’s Court Service (HMCS) in February 2010, which saw 9,425 warrants executed and more than �1million collected across England and Wales.

HMCS area director for Avon and Somerset, David Gentry, said: “The courts will do everything in their power to trace those who do not pay.

“Money can be taken from an offender’s earnings or from benefits. Warrants can be issues instructing court-employed agents to seize and sell goods belonging to the offender. Ultimately an offender can be imprisoned for non-payment of their fine.

“Our message to fine dodgers is clear: Pay up, or face the consequences.”