FINE dodgers were blitzed early today as part of a clampdown on people who owe the courts money.

Police and court enforcement officers carried out dawn raids in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.

Operation Payback targets people who have been handed fines for offences including assaults, drug offences, vandalism and driving crimes.

The Examiner was out with teams as they swooped on addresses in Paddock at daybreak.

More than 300 raids took place today and, as the Examiner, went to press, 10 arrests had been made and thousands of pounds worth of fines had been recovered.

Sgt Mark Eilbeck, who led this morning's operation, said he hoped the latest Payback initiative would net more than £250,000.

He added: "The last time we had these raids in West Yorkshire we recovered £250,000 and I am confident we can beat that amount this time.

"Payback started after the public told us they were concerned criminals were getting away with not paying for what they had done.

"So now we have stepped up operations to make sure those people who think they are above the law are punished for their crimes.

"It sends a clear message to people who commit crimes: You will be caught."

West Yorkshire is the leading region in the country for recovering money owed to the courts through the Payback scheme.

Nationally the first two operations have bagged £2.5m.

Sgt Eilbeck said: "These raids will continue until criminals understand and respect the fact they cannot get away with ignoring an order of the court.

"A lot of the people we have targeted today are known and persistent offenders.

"They have lied in court by saying they will pay the fines, but think they can do whatever they want. That is changing."

Huddersfield and Dewsbury Magistrates' Courts were this afternoon packed with offenders hauled in by the teams.

If people could not pay up when officers knocked on their doors today, they were immediately dragged in front of magistrates.

More raids are planned across West Yorkshire during the week.