SWANSEA magistrates court will stay open after hours this month as part of a blitz on fine defaulters and offenders who have failed to attend court dates.

Operation Crackdown will see court enforcement officers and South Wales Police taking part in a series of blitzes on offenders' homes as part of the two-day operation.

They will chase up warrants for non-payment of outstanding fines and warrants issued for failure to attend court.

Extra vans have been drafted in from outside the area to take offenders to the magistrates court which will remain open until 8pm on both nights of the operation.

The exact dates of the operation are not being released for publication for operational reasons.

A spokeswoman for the initiative said: "Where necessary, those who refuse to co-operate will be arrested and additional court time has been set aside to deal specifically with offenders targeted under this operation."

HMCS court enforcement officer Manager Kim Slater said: "Our message to those who have avoided paying their fines is clear; if you have been fined by the court, we will find you." She added that the courts will do everything within their power to trace those who do not pay and ensure that financial penalties are complied with.

"Money can be taken from an offender's earnings or from benefits if they are unemployed," she added.

Ms Slater added that warrants can be issued instructing court-employed agents to seize and sell goods belonging to the offender.

"Ultimately an offender can and will be imprisoned for non-payment of their fine, " she told the Post.

Inspector Bryan Heard, head of Western BCU Case Progression, said the operation would lead to the detention of many active criminals in the area as well as bringing about justice and closure to victims and local communities.

"I would urge any person wanted on warrant to hand themselves in," he said.

Anyone with information on someone wanted on a warrant or by the police should ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.