By NATALIE GALLENTI
A RECENT police operation encouraging Melton residents with outstanding fines and search warrants to hand themselves in has been described as a success by Inspector Stephen Mutton.
More than 50 people handed themselves in last month as part of the joint Victoria Police and Sherriff’s Office Operation Surrender.
The 53 people who voluntarily attended a mobile bus set up opposite Melton Police Station had 803 outstanding warrants totalling $264,694 actioned.
Police and sheriff’s officers present on the day were able to explain the processes relating to executing warrants and organising appropriate arrangements to clear fines or deal with pending court proceedings.
Eight of those who handed themselves in owed more than $10,000 worth of outstanding fines or warrants, with $22,000 the largest amount owed by one person.
Melton Police Inspector Stephen Mutton said the operation had been a great success.
“This operation gave people a chance to give themselves up and get their outstanding matters sorted before they get caught by other means as police will be out conducting enforcement operations in coming weeks,” Insp Mutton said.
Following on from Operation Surrender, police and sheriff’s officers will be conducting road block operations throughout Melton and Caroline Springs to catch anyone who continues to flout the law.
The operation was launched after it was revealed that there are more than 17,000 people with over 107,000 outstanding warrants – amounting to more than $38 million – living in Melton, Caroline Springs and Deer Park.
