People who refuse to pay court fines in Gwent are to be targeted in March, Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) announced this week.

Operation Crackdown will see HMCTS Court Enforcement Officers (CEOs) and local police engaging in a series of blitzes on offenders' homes to collect unpaid fines.

Bailiffs will also be issued with warrants to confiscate property.

Where necessary those who refuse to co-operate will be arrested and held in custody to be taken to court. Court time has been specially set aside to deal with fine dodgers .

The last Operation Crackdown blitz in September 2011 saw 39 offenders arrested, 93 surrender and eight given immediate prison sentences by the court.

A total of £63,611.65 was collected.

Brian Cox, Chairman of the Gwent Magistrates said, "Because of the success of last years operation we will again this year, during the month of March, have a dedicated fines enforcement court sitting in Caerphilly.

"We will use all resources available to the court including police and court enforcement officers who will be operating throughout Gwent.

"Those who refuse to co-operate will be arrested and brought before the court where payment will be enforced"

"Our message is clear, if you have not paid a fine, you will be found and brought back to court.

"These courts will use all available powers to ensure that fines are paid in full and we would urge anyone owing fines to the court to pay up before police and court enforcement officers come calling.

"An attachment to offender's earnings, deducting outstanding fines at source, or from benefits if they are not working can be and are regularly used by the courts to ensure payments are made.

"Another option is for the court to direct the seizure and sale of goods belonging to the fine defaulter in order to pay off the outstanding fine"

"Ultimately offenders may be imprisoned for non-payment of fines. It is their choice – pay up or face the consequences.