FINE dodgers have been targeted in a series of early morning raids.

Teams of court officials, backed by police, brought more than 30 fine defaulters to book.

Following the raids last week, more than £1,000 was recovered in immediate payments, with three fine defaulters jailed and a further 19 given suspended prison sentences.

Thirty-one offenders were arrested in the crackdown, which is part of an ongoing initiative between Cleveland Police and the courts service, dubbed Operation Payback.

Anne Smith, head of enforcement for Her Majesty's Court Service in Cleveland, who is leading the taskforce in Teesside, said: "We are getting the message home that fines are expected to be paid and the money will be collected.

"The ultimate sanction against people who won't pay is imprisonment."

The raids began at 6am on Wednesday and involved three teams of police officers working with court enforcement officers.

Magistrates at Teesside Magistrates' Court arranged a special early session of court to deal with prisoners arrested in the crackdown.

Last week's raids, which were mainly in the Redcar area, will be followed up by more visits this week in other parts of Teesside.

Those arrested, or dealt with by the court for non-payment of fines, included compensation orders to victims of burglary, theft, assault as well as fines for drink driving, drunkenness and serious traffic offences.

Inspector Dave Mead, of Redcar community police team, said: "I view such warrant sweeps as being essential to complete the justice cycle and I can assure those who still refuse to pay their fines or compensation orders that the courts warrant officers and police will be visiting them in the near future."

Anyone with outstanding warrants for non-payment of fines is advised to contact the courts, on (01642) 261681, to avoid being arrested.