Police in Upper Hutt continued relentless action against people evading fines or involved in drug offending yesterday.
Seven search warrants were executed.
From one property Collections Officers seized two cars, a computer, TV, DVD player, other electrical equipment, clothing, swords and firearm parts, says Acting Area Commander Inspector Mike Hill.
"As well as removing dangerous weapons from the address, the seized goods will help to pay back thousands of dollars owed in unpaid fines.
"Three people, all connected to the same address, collectively owed $25,000 in unpaid fines, the majority relating to traffic offences.
"It's annoying having to follow up people who are not paying their fines and are not prepared to front up to their offending. They shouldn't get away it and we're determined that they're not going to," says Inspector Hill.
Search warrants were also executed on properties where police knew cannabis offending was taking place.
Five people were charged with either possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis utensils or possession for supply.
Crime was down in Upper Hutt during 2006. Recorded violence, drug and antisocial offences, theft and burglary decreased in Upper Hutt during the last six months of 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. However, Inspector Hill says police need to keep changing tactics to keep it that way.
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More about Operation Relentless:
Operation Relentless has been modeled on a successful tactic used by the Avon and Somerset Police in the UK. It involves a succession of dedicated days of action, each against a particular type of crime.
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What happens to seized property?
Fines defaulters who have property seized have seven days to pay their fines in full and there can be additional costs for towing or storage.
Goods taken are normally sold at public auction. Any money raised from the sale is used to pay costs associated with its seizure and the remainder goes towards the unpaid fine. If there is money still owing, the fine defaulter is still liable for the unpaid balance. For more information see: http://www.justice.govt.nz/fines
For crime prevention and personal safety tips see:
• Police website - http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community • Neighbourhood Support website - www.ns.org.nz
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For more information contact Inspector Mike Hill, Tel: 027 290 1609.