MORE than a dozen people have been arrested by North Yorkshire Police, as part of a pre-Christmas operation.

Officers, PCSOs, Special Constables and court enforcement officers took to the streets of York on Thursday to execute a number of outstanding warrants across the city.

Fourteen people were arrested over outstanding fines, with the authorities recovering more than £5,000 in money which was owed to the York Magistrates' Court.

There are still a number of outstanding warrants to be enforced, some of which will lead to immediate prison sentences, and Sergeant Martin Metcalfe said this week's action was the first of many in the run-up to the festive period.

Sgt Metcalfe, who is part of York West Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "At the end of the day these people have been fined for committing offences and I believe that the victims of their crimes need to know they have paid their dues.

"We have been carrying out numerous warrants recently and in the past month five people who have been arrested for non-payment of fines have been sent directly to prison. So my message is, either make contact with the courts and arrange to pay your fines or face the consequences of being arrested and possibly sent to prison without any notice."

Sgt Metcalfe said the execution of warrants was a last resort, but one which would be carried out regardless.

He said: "I would prefer it if people arrange to pay up before we come looking for them but that’s what we will do if we have to. More days of action are planned to execute these non-payment of fines warrants so if you haven’t paid expect us to knock on your door."

During Thursday's action, officers also arrested a 34-year-old man who was wanted on suspicion of burglary, theft from a motor vehicle and failing to attend court, a 57-year-old man had his car seized and was reported for summons to court after being stopped driving while disqualified, and a 34-year-old man was stopped in Front Street, Acomb, on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs. He was interviewed by police and given a ticket for cycling on the pavement.

*To arrange payment of outstanding fines, phone 01609 783539 and select option three.