OFENDERS in the Vale and Cotswolds face tough action as courts in the region launch a campaign to recover thousands of pounds of unpaid fines.

Operation Payback 3, a co-ordinated blitz on fine defaulters, will be launched this weekend.

People who have been ordered to pay fines but have failed to do so will receive a letter warning them to "pay your fine or pay the price".

Fine evaders could suffer serious consequences if they refuse to stump up the cash.

Among sanctions being considered by the courts are orders to have the money deducted direct from wages or benefits, clamping offenders' cars or arrest followed by imprisonment.

The nationally co-ordinated blitz, the third of its kind, is part of the government's UK-wide Payback campaign to recover criminals' assets and prevent money laundering.

Constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman QC said: "We're launching this initiative to enforce fines because it's vital for the criminal justice system.

"People want to see the punishment fit the crime. They want to see court orders respected.

"Fines and community penalties can only be credible sentencing options if they're enforced properly.

"The certain knowledge that offenders will be pursued if they try to avoid punishment will encourage them to pay their fine and do their community penalty.

"Respect for the courts means enforcing the orders of the court."

Judith Cashmore-James, the department's area director for West Mercia, said: "Despite major progress, one in five people nationally still don't pay their fine.

"They let themselves down, their families, friends, colleagues and the community generally.

"They are the people we will pursue relentlessly during this blitz.

"Access to existing databases means it will be much easier to find offenders who are hiding, so I urge people who have failed to obey the court's ruling to come forward before we knock on your door."