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Week two results of warrants initiative known as Operation DEKA

17th September 2014

Police Scotland has continued its high profile crackdown on those wanted on warrant throughout the North and Northeast of Scotland.

More than 680 warrants have now been executed and over 340 people arrested during the successful warrants initiative, Operation DEKA, a high-profile enforcement by Police Scotland to crackdown on those wanted on warrant. Fine defaulters with an accumulated debt of over £65,500 have also been dealt with.

Officers started the campaign on 01 September 2014, and have been working in partnership with representatives of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Scottish Court Service.

Officers arrested a total of 342 people wanted on warrant for outstanding crimes, failure to appear at court, failure to comply with court orders and non-payment of fines.

A total of 301 Apprehension Warrants were executed while 387 Warrants related to failure to pay fines. Throughout the Operation, Officers targeted individuals wanted in connection with crimes of violence, drugs offences and those responsible for Antisocial Behaviour.

A number of people were arrested in relation to acquisitive crime.

The Operation saw a total of 9 individuals arrested on Extract Conviction Warrants which saw them going directly to prison to serve an alternative sentence.

Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Thomson, responsible for policing in the North of Scotland, said: "During the initiative we have been targeting wanted suspects and working with partners and other agencies to arrest and bring before the court, those responsible for committing crime or those who have not paid fines imposed.

"The operation builds on our promises to target those responsible for committing crime within our communities.

"Operation DEKA involves a number of different partners, increases our visibility and demonstrates to members of the public that the police and partners are working hard to bring offenders to justice."

Andrew Laing from COPFS (North) said: "COPFS was pleased to be able to assist in this operation which has resulted in a significant number of persons being arrested and brought to justice.

"Those who fail to attend court without reasonable excuse and seek to evade justice can expect to feel the full force of the law.

"We will continue to work with the Police Service and Scottish Court Service to bring cases to a successful conclusion."

In Highland and Islands Division, a total of 104 warrants were executed, 24 people were arrested, and fine defaulters with an accumulated debt of over £13,267 were dealt with.

Inspector Alasdair Macleod of the Highland and Islands Divisional Coordination Unit said: "Operation DEKA has led to positive results for the people of the Highlands and Islands. A number of those seeking to evade justice have been brought before the courts or made to pay defaulted fines.

"Looking ahead, it is business as usual for us to deal robustly with those who fail to attend court or pay fines and we will continue to do so.

"I would offer thanks to our partners, and members of the public, whose support and assistance enables us to do this work."