By XAVIER SMERDON
MORE than 22,000 Wyndham residents are being chased by the Sheriff for warrants totalling almost $50 million.
The latest figures released by the Department of Justice show that Wyndham is one of the worst areas in Victoria for unpaid fines, with 22,336 individuals owing $47.6 million on 128,994 warrants.
Only seven municipalities are responsible for more money owing on warrants, with Casey coming in as the worst with more than $84 million being owed by 31,000 people.
In total Victorians now owe more than $1.3 billion in unpaid fines stemming from tolls, speeding and parking offences.
The Sheriff of Victoria, Brendan Facey, expressed concern that more people were finding themselves in debt due to unpaid fines.
“Too many people are letting their fines get out of control,” Mr Facey said.
“Getting help with your fines is easy, ignoring them will lead to action from the Sheriff’s Office.”
The Sheriff’s Office actioned more than 1.1 million warrants last year and arrested more than 2,000 people. This is an increase of more than 27 per cent from the previous year.
Nearly 280,000 licence plates were scanned as part of checks across the state.
“But clearly for some people they are not getting the message until a Sheriff’s Officer clamps their car, suspends their driver’s licence or arrest them,” Mr Facey said.
“We are working around the clock, right across the state to track people down.
“You could be tapped on the shoulder at a shopping centre, at your work, home or on the road.”
Residents can track and pay their outstanding fines at www.fines.vic.gov.au website, by calling 1300 SHERIFF or by visiting any of the Justice Service Centres.
