PERSISTENT fine dodgers face a tough new force.

North Yorkshire Magistrates' Court Committee is taking part in a drive to recover unpaid fines - part of the Government's Operation Payback campaign to recover criminals' assets.

There are more than £1m of fines unpaid in North Yorkshire and £354m nationally.

North Yorkshire Justices chief executive Paul Bradle, said: "This effort shows that not only can many individuals and agencies get together to form a formidable team but it reinforces our commitment to meeting the demands and expectations of victims and the community generally."

Civilian enforcement staff will start work early and leave later, to visit as many defaulters as possible.

They will work closely with police, who will identify which warrants should be executed and go with court arrest teams.

John Burbeck, the Association of Chief Police Officers' spokesman on criminal justice, said: "The level of co-operation between all the individuals and agencies involved means the crackdown will be a success, not only in terms of the amount of outstanding fines collected but because it sends a strong message that crime doesn't pay."

Defaulters can have fines deducted from wages or benefits. Persistent offenders face arrest, possibly prison.

The campaign was launched by Courts Minister Christopher Leslie who said fine dodgers had had ample opportunities to pay their debts.

Mr Leslie said: "Court decisions must not be flouted and when they are, we will vigorously pursue offenders. If they don't pay up, the next knock on the door could mean payback time has come."

Any fine defaulters can still come clean by going to their local magistrates' court and paying their debt.