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01/11/2004
Fines defaulters targeted in 'Payback' crackdown
A national crackdown on fine defaulters, Operation Payback 2, gets underway today with a targeted multimedia advertising campaign across England and Wales.
Beermats, posters, leaflets and advertisements on radio and in newspapers and men's magazines will warn those who refuse to pay criminal penalties imposed by the courts that time is running out.
The advertising campaign, with the slogan 'Think You'll Get Away With It? Think Again', cautions that a concerted drive to recover unpaid fines has begun and if fine dodgers don't pay up immediately they may suffer serious consequences – such as having the fine deducted from wages or benefits, car clamping or imprisonmment.
The nationally co-ordinated fines blitz, the second of its kind, is part of the government's UK-wide 'Payback' campaign to recover criminals' assets and prevent money laundering.
For the first time, it may include roadblocks using police Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) mobile units; targeting fine defaulters on persistent offender lists and identifying the worst offenders.
Courts Minister Christopher Leslie said: "We're giving people a chance to come clean now by warning them through the advertising campaign that they need to pay their outstanding fine immediately in order to avoid possible arrest. If they don't, the next knock on the door could mean payback time has come."
Operation Payback 2 involves a range of law enforcers across several criminal justice agencies. In particular, hundreds of Civilian Enforcement Officers (CEOs) at magistrates courts will work closely with police to identify the worst offenders and track them down.
The first Operation Payback netted £750,000 and resulted in a significant increase in fine defaulters coming forward for months afterwards.
(gmcg/sp)
Beermats, posters, leaflets and advertisements on radio and in newspapers and men's magazines will warn those who refuse to pay criminal penalties imposed by the courts that time is running out.
The advertising campaign, with the slogan 'Think You'll Get Away With It? Think Again', cautions that a concerted drive to recover unpaid fines has begun and if fine dodgers don't pay up immediately they may suffer serious consequences – such as having the fine deducted from wages or benefits, car clamping or imprisonmment.
The nationally co-ordinated fines blitz, the second of its kind, is part of the government's UK-wide 'Payback' campaign to recover criminals' assets and prevent money laundering.
For the first time, it may include roadblocks using police Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) mobile units; targeting fine defaulters on persistent offender lists and identifying the worst offenders.
Courts Minister Christopher Leslie said: "We're giving people a chance to come clean now by warning them through the advertising campaign that they need to pay their outstanding fine immediately in order to avoid possible arrest. If they don't, the next knock on the door could mean payback time has come."
Operation Payback 2 involves a range of law enforcers across several criminal justice agencies. In particular, hundreds of Civilian Enforcement Officers (CEOs) at magistrates courts will work closely with police to identify the worst offenders and track them down.
The first Operation Payback netted £750,000 and resulted in a significant increase in fine defaulters coming forward for months afterwards.
(gmcg/sp)
Related UK National News Stories
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15 March 2004
'Operation Payback' puts squeeze on fine dodgers
The government has stepped up its action in a crackdown on persistent fine dodgers. The 'Operation Payback' campaign marks a drive across England and Wales to recover £354.4 million worth of outstanding fines in England and Wales, mostly consisting of unpaid fines from persistent offenders.
'Operation Payback' puts squeeze on fine dodgers
The government has stepped up its action in a crackdown on persistent fine dodgers. The 'Operation Payback' campaign marks a drive across England and Wales to recover £354.4 million worth of outstanding fines in England and Wales, mostly consisting of unpaid fines from persistent offenders.
08 March 2004
'Payback' time for fine dodgers, warns government
The government has insisted that its 'Payback' time as it launched a clampdown on people who fail to pay criminal fines set by the courts. A campaign warning of the planned blitz on unpaid fines - called 'Operation Payback' - will urge fine defaulters to pay up or suffer the consequences.
'Payback' time for fine dodgers, warns government
The government has insisted that its 'Payback' time as it launched a clampdown on people who fail to pay criminal fines set by the courts. A campaign warning of the planned blitz on unpaid fines - called 'Operation Payback' - will urge fine defaulters to pay up or suffer the consequences.
07 May 2004
Minister hails improved fines enforcement success
Courts Minister Christopher Leslie has announced that improved enforcement in relation to unpaid fines has brought in £13.4 million. Following significant improvements in fines enforcement during 2003/04, an extra £13.4 million has been paid against what was forecast at the end of June.
Minister hails improved fines enforcement success
Courts Minister Christopher Leslie has announced that improved enforcement in relation to unpaid fines has brought in £13.4 million. Following significant improvements in fines enforcement during 2003/04, an extra £13.4 million has been paid against what was forecast at the end of June.
07 November 2006
M&S profits rise on makeover
Marks & Spencer’s resurgence has continued with the retailer reporting a 32% hike in half-year profits. Pre-tax profits were reported as £405.1m on the back of strong sales in food and clothing, and an advertising campaign featuring Twiggy. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Rose said: “We had a good first half.
M&S profits rise on makeover
Marks & Spencer’s resurgence has continued with the retailer reporting a 32% hike in half-year profits. Pre-tax profits were reported as £405.1m on the back of strong sales in food and clothing, and an advertising campaign featuring Twiggy. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Rose said: “We had a good first half.
19 October 2006
Street crime still on the rise
Official statistics have revealed that street crime and robbery in England and Wales rose by 5% between April and June this year. The increase follows an 8% rise recorded in the year to April – an upward trend which has been attributed to a higher level of thefts from people carrying electronic items such as MP3 players and mobile phones.
Street crime still on the rise
Official statistics have revealed that street crime and robbery in England and Wales rose by 5% between April and June this year. The increase follows an 8% rise recorded in the year to April – an upward trend which has been attributed to a higher level of thefts from people carrying electronic items such as MP3 players and mobile phones.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
