A JOINT force of officers from Victoria Police and the Sherrif’s Offices in Mildura and Bendigo conducted enforcement activities in Swan Hill on Wednesday, May 21 with more operations planned in the future.
The Sherrif’s Office actioned 23 warrants against 14 debtors related to warrants totalling nearly $58,600, with almost $8,600 of outstanding debt recovered immediately.
A debtor with a $15,000 outstanding Magistrates Court arrest warrant was served a seven-day-notice and a vehicle was placed under seizure on 12 outstanding enforcement infringement warrants.
Victoria Police completed 534 breath tests and 19 drug tests, resulting in one driver allegedly testing positive to drug driving.
It is alleged one driver was found operating a vehicle with a suspended licence, and another heavy vehicle driver alleged to have committed a work diary offence.
Swan Hill Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant, Sebastian Linssen, said officers were pleased with the relatively low levels of offending.
“It was a positive result for the day from both a Victoria Police and Sherrif’s Office aspect, it had been some time since we’ve worked in collaboration together, but we definitely plan to do it a few more times in the future,” Acting Sergeant Linssen said.
“We were probably quite happy with the minimal offending we saw in the four hours, which was a good result for the police.”
The Sherrif’s Office Victoria (SOV) used automatic number plate recognition technology to identify people with outstanding warrants, with more than1000 vehicles checked.
A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said SOV regularly conducts such enforcement activities.
“We encourage people to deal with their fines as soon as they receive them,” the spokesperson said.
“There are various support options to help vulnerable Victorians manage their fines, including the Family Violence Scheme, the Work and Development Permit Scheme, fine reviews and payment plans.
“Fines do not expire and all fine debt can be collected and enforced at any time.”
Acting Sergeant Linssen reminded the community there is a significant road toll already this year, and that the police are working to make the community as safe as possible.
“We’re here to ensure that drivers who shouldn’t be on our roads, aren’t on our roads,” Acting Sergeant Linssen said.
