Today Upper Hutt police were relentless on fines defaulters and warrants to arrest.
The action was part of 'Operation Relentless' - a blitz on criminals and a crackdown on crime in Upper Hutt.
In tandem with the Ministry of Justice Collections Unit, six vehicles were seized along with a range of property from fines defaulters.
"Twenty fines defaulters were visited and property was seized or arrangements were made for them to pay their fines," says Acting Upper Hutt Area Commander Inspector Mike Hill.
Property seized included a TV, four mag wheels and tyres, stereo speakers, a Sony PlayStation and a DVD player.
"It is important we 'close the loop' on fines defaulters. Many people with outstanding fines have incurred them as a result of a court imposed sentence or a traffic infringement.
"If someone drives through a red light or a stop sign and is given a ticket, they need to be held accountable and pay their fine or they won't take the system seriously and change their behaviour.
"Sometimes the outstanding fine is money owed to victims."
Police were also relentless on warrants to arrest.
"Police follow up warrants to arrest all the time, but some people keep eluding us. Unfortunately again many people weren't home today, but we'll also pay visits at other times to see if we can catch up with them.
"If someone has been charged with a criminal offence and fails to appear in court, it is important that they are held accountable and have their day in court," says Inspector Hill.
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More about Operation Relentless:
Operation Relentless has been modeled on a successful tactic used by the Avon and Somerset Police in the UK.
It involves a succession of dedicated days of action, each against a particular type of crime.
Crime was down in Upper Hutt during 2006. Recorded violence, drug and antisocial offences, theft and burglary decreased in Upper Hutt during the last six months of 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. However, Inspector Hill says police need to keep changing tactics to keep it that way.
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What happens to seized property?
Fines defaulters who have property seized have seven days to pay their fines in full and there can be additional costs for towing or storage.
Goods taken are normally sold at public auction. Any money raised from the sale is used to pay costs associated with its seizure and the remainder goes towards the unpaid fine. If there is money still owing, the fine defaulter is still liable for the unpaid balance. For more information see: http://www.justice.govt.nz/fines
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For crime prevention and personal safety tips see:
• Police website - http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community • Neighbourhood Support website - www.ns.org.nz
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For more information contact Inspector Mike Hill, Tel: 027 290 1609.