A JOINT operation aimed at tracking down fine defaulters in County Durham was launched this week.

Involving more than 40 police officers and civilian warrant officers from magistrates courts, Operation Payback 3 will be targeting those people who have not paid fines and officers will attempt to collect all or part of the debts.

The operation has been launched to send the message magistrates will not tolerate non-payment of fines.

Brinley Jones, head of fines and enforcement, and accountable manager for courts in the County, said that warrants outstanding in respect of compensation, persistent offenders and large individual fines would be prioritised.

People who have been arrested will be taken into custody if they refuse to pay immediately.

A spokesman for Her Majesty's Court Service said: "A zero-tolerance policy will be implemented during Operation Payback."

A lot of information has been gathered and checked against existing data sources to ensure that there is an increased chance of successful execution of warrants.

Checks have also been carried out through the police national computer sources for both address authentication and also for previous convictions. There will also be Department of Works and Pensions check for addresses.

As well as identifying fine defaulters, police and courts warrant officers will also be on the look-out for bail dodgers.