Police are targeting persistent offenders

Staffordshire Police said magistrates sent four men to prison on 8 July as a result of Operation Payback.

Officers said they were preparing to spend a day making visits to people in arrears in Burton upon Trent.

Police said court staff were prepared to offer help to those struggling with fines, but that persistent offenders faced being arrested and jailed.

'Pay now'

"We are targeting people who have refused to comply with the direction of the courts," said Supt Dave Forrest.

"Those who have not paid their fines imposed at court should do so now.

"If they don't they will face a visit from police and, if they can't pay, will be arrested.

Defaulters who have failed to pay up will suffer serious consequences Peter Woolliscroft Courts committee spokesman

"They will be kept in custody at Burton until the court is ready to deal with them."

The force said it was working with the courts to exchange information about people who had failed to pay fines.

Staffordshire Magistrates' Courts Committee chief executive Peter Woolliscroft said: "It is unacceptable that a fine imposed by magistrates remains unpaid.

"There is little point in magistrates' courts imposing monetary penalties on defendants unless these are enforced in a robust and timely manner.