DOZENS of offenders who have been dodging justice got a visit from police.
Officers and special constables went to about 70 properties across Huddersfield yesterday to seek out people who had skipped bail, failed to pay fines or were avoiding the courts.
They were joined by officials from HM Court Service (HMCS) on Operation Lightwater.
Among the streets targeted were Halifax Road in Birchencliffe, Leeds Road in Bradley, Park Drive near Greenhead Park, Ridgeway Close in Rawthorpe and Scott Vale in Sheepridge.
The operation led to 11 arrests.
One man was immediately taken to prison to begin a sentence handed down by the courts in his absence for aggravated burglary.
More than £1,000 was paid on the spot by people who had previously failed to pay fines.
A car was seized from someone who had no valid insurance.
Insp Andy Gallant, of West Yorkshire Police’s criminal justice support division, was leading the operation.
He said: “It is right that our communities expect the police and the authorities to seek out offenders who show disregard to the court’s jurisdiction.
“Initiatives such as this are the cornerstone of interrupting offending behaviour and this is one of many operations spearheaded by the police that aim to bring offenders to justice.
“Known criminals are a blight on the communities of West Yorkshire and we take positive action to get people back before the courts.”
Police are carrying out a week of visits across West Yorkshire to find those who have evaded justice.
More than 1,100 people are wanted on warrants in the force’s area, including 127 in Kirklees.
A similar operation in February last year led to 93 arrests across West Yorkshire.
That month also saw the lowest number of burglaries for 18 months.
The police use a variety of methods to track down people wanted on warrants, including finding out what addresses bank accounts and television subscription packages are registered to.
Insp Gallant said: “With modern technology it is increasingly difficult to disappear and any person thinking of doing so should think again.
Supt Pat Casserly said: “Throughout the year we work really hard bringing people to justice.
“We lock them up, gather the evidence and support the community.
“Because of the behaviour of the people that we are bringing into custody, they are skipping bail and find themselves with a warrant.
“This is an opportunity to correct some of that, to take the fight to the people committing these offences.”
Julie Collins, of HMCS, added: “We are determined to collect monies owed to the court, including those owed to victims of crime.”
