FINE-DODGERS are being targeted in a month-long crackdown by Her Majesty’s Court Service.

Operation Crackdown will see court enforcement officers team up with Herts Police in a series of blitzes on offenders’ homes to collect unpaid fines.

Bailiffs 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 fine dodgers.

Last February 9,425 warrants were executed and �1.02m was collected across England and Wales.

The overall result was that 14.7 per cent more cash was collected than in February 2009.

Jonathan Lane, court service area director for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Thames Valley, said: “Our message to fine dodgers is clear: pay up now or face the consequences.

“The courts will do everything within their powers to trace those who do not pay.

“Money can be taken from an offender’s earnings or from benefits if they are unemployed.

“Warrants can be issued 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.”