POLICE have told offenders on the run in Dewsbury - "Give yourselves up by the end of January".

Officers have had a round-up of persistent criminals who have been evading the courts.

And they have urged others to come forward and be dealt with quickly so they can have a fresh start in 2004.

Officers from the division's Target team, COPS (Community Orientated Problem Solving) team and community beat officers have been tackling outstanding warrants in the division.

Over a three week period in the run up to Christmas, officers cleared the streets of those who had continually failed to appear at court - and many of them were persistent offenders.

In all, 45 people were arrested and put through the court system for offences ranging from priority crimes such as burglary and theft through to driving and traffic offences.

In order to build on these successes, Dewsbury Police have also been working with Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing to track down those evading arrest.

Further work is being done with Social Services to seek out those who still remain at large.

Community Safety Insp Joanne Floyd gave a direct message to the offenders.

She said: "We won't stop until we find you.

"The offer is for you to have a fresh start and have your record cleared for the new year."

She added: "For those wishing to wipe their slate clean, arrangements have been made to make it easy for them to hand themselves in at Dewsbury police station between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

"They will be dealt with as quickly as possible. The offer is open until the end of January."

She added: "If any member of the public knows the whereabouts of someone wanted by the courts, then my message to them is - supply us with their details and we'll do the rest."

Information can be given free and anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.