Sheriff blitz nets $1million in fines at Chadstone Shopping Centre

FINES worth almost $1 million have been dished out by the Sheriff's Office in a three-day blitz at Chadstone Shopping Centre.

FINES worth almost $1 million have been dished out by the Sheriff's Office in a three-day blitz at Chadstone Shopping Centre.

During the three-day operation at Melbourne's Chadstone shopping centre that ended last week, more than 14,000 cars were checked, and 3500 outstanding warrants were finalised.

Officers even applied 138 wheel clamps and issued licence-suspension warnings for continued fine evasion.

Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls said only a small number of people ignored repeated warnings and court enforcement orders.

"The Sheriff's Office is firm but fair on fine defaulters by giving them ample opportunity to settle their debt and, if a matter is not settled, serious fine evaders face a series of tough sanctions such as wheel clamping, suspension of licence and registration non-renewal," he said in a statement.

A new SMS payment reminder service has been introduced to assist people who have payment plans for their outstanding fines.

Anyone who wants to settle their debt or apply for an extension of time should contact the Sheriff's Office on 1300 743 743.