POLICE will target 17,000 Melton residents responsible for $38 million in outstanding fines and warrants.
As part of Operation Surrender, Melton police are encouraging
Melton, Caroline Springs and Deer Park residents who have outstanding
warrants to hand themselves in on August 29.
Following the operation, police and the Sheriff’s Office will target offenders through road block operations.
Police and sheriff’s officers will be at Melton police station on
the day to explain warrant processes that could include payment plans,
bail or remand.
Melton’s Inspector Stephen Mutton said dealing with outstanding
warrants on a designated day would minimise the inconvenience of
residents, who wouldn’t be caught at an unexpected time.
“We know there are many people who have outstanding warrants or
fines that continue building up. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go
away and it can cause a huge amount of financial stress,” he said.
“This mounting stress can often contribute to family violence and
other criminal activity, so we are encouraging people to take
responsibility and turn themselves in.”
Sheriff Brendan Facey said the operation gave western suburbs residents an opportunity to deal with their outstanding warrants.
“Too many people around Melton and Caroline Springs are getting in to financial trouble,” he said.
“This is an opportunity to avoid the embarrassment and
inconvenience of a police or sheriff’s officer pulling you over or
knocking on your door or arriving at your workplace.”
The operation will run from 2-10pm.
