SPER seizes Mackay vehicles, cash in debt collection blitz

A combined operation between police and SPER officers has taken back $2.2m in unpaid debts. WATCH THE VIDEO

A combined operation between the police and officers from the State Penalties Enforcement Registry has recovered $2.2m in unpaid fines and penalties across Mackay and the Whitsundays.

The two-week operation from late February targeted residents with outstanding debts.

SPER officers recovered $400,000 and locked in a further $1.8m in payment plan commitments.

The registry, a division of the Queensland Revenue Office, also seized 21 vehicles including utes, four-wheel-drives and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Three vehicles will now go to auction.

SPER officers clamped and seized vehicles in Mackay, St Helens Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and Sarina to ensure compliance. Picture: Contributed

SPER officers clamped and seized vehicles in Mackay, St Helens Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and Sarina and enforcement director Kim Easton said the registry would take “tough action” to ensure compliance.

“If you don’t act, you can have money taken from your wages or bank account or have SPER officers visit you at your home or workplace to seize your vehicle to recover what you owe,” he said.

“SPER debts are money owed to all Queenslanders, including victims of crime, so if you refuse to pay you can expect to face tough action.”