BAIL dodgers had a double Valentine's Day surprise from police this week in an initiative to crackdown on people who try to evade the justice system.

Valentine cards from West Mercia police dropped through their letter boxes as part of the force's commitment to Operation Turn Up - a month long campaign to bring them to justice.

Chief inspector Richard James said: "Come and see us before we see you, was our advice to bail dodgers because arrests may happened at any time of the day or night, while defendants are at work, at home or out socialising with colleagues or friends."

He told offenders that if they give themselves up by attending their local police stations the courts may deal with them with more leniently.

In a second part of the initiative, police also released pictures of selected people wanted on warrant along with an appeal for anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact the police. Anyone with information about someone they believe is dodging bail can call police on a dedicated hotline number 01905 331995 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Chief Inspector Richard James, from the criminal justice support department, said: "Attempts to evade justice causes unnecessary stress and inconvenience for victims and witnesses and delays in the court process. Bail dodging is a criminal offence and those found guilty can expect additional penalty from the court, including imprisonment."

Tony Breeze, area manager of Victim Support Worcestershire, said: "We fully support Operation Turn Up. All too often we see the emotional pain suffered by victims and witnesses whom we have helped prepare to give evidence.

"For them to find the strength to attend court only for the alleged offender not to turn up can be really devastating."