SPER seizes 45 vehicles and collect $300,000 in Townsville crackdown

Townsville residents refusing to pay their SPER debts have had a wake up call after 45 vehicles were seized to be auctioned off.

SPER officers have clamped and seized vehicles throughout Townsville in a bid to recover unpaid SPER debts. (FILE PHOTO) Picture: Contributed

People who refuse to pay their SPER debts have been hit where it hurts after dozens of vehicles were seized during operations across Townsville.

The State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) is responsible for the collection and enforcement of unpaid fines and penalties, including infringement notice fines, court-ordered monetary penalties, offender debt recovery orders and offender levies.

Across Townsville and surrounding areas, SPER officers seized a total of 45 vehicles, collected $300,000 in unpaid fines and penalties from debtors, and secured a further $754,000 in payment plan commitments.

Suburbs including Jensen, Kirwan, Kelso, Garbutt, Wulguru and Ayr were targeted with Ford Rangers, a Toyota Landcruiser, a Nissan Patrol and a speed boat were among the vehicles seized.

One Townsville debtor had racked up 83 debts after committing offences ranging from possession of dangerous drugs, to breaching a DVO, stealing, assaults occasioning bodily harm and various traffic offences.

Where owners remain unwilling to pay what they owe, the seized vehicles will be sold at auction to repay their debts.

SPER enforcement director Kim Easton said the recent operation showed the serious consequences awaiting those who chose not to deal with their SPER debts.

SPER enforcement director Kim Easton warned that seized vehicles would be sold at auction to repay SPER debts. Picture: Supplied.

He said actions like clamping and seizing vehicles came at the end of a long process of trying to recover the money owed.

“SPER debts don’t go away, and people need to pay their fine on time, otherwise our officers will take the necessary actions to enforce the law,” MR Easton said.

Some of the vehicles seized from the Townsville region due to unpaid SPER debts. Picture: SPER.

“Our officers will take enforcement action to recover debts, such as taking money from wages and bank accounts or visiting debtors at their home or workplace to seize vehicles and other property to recover what they owe.

“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.”

Mr Easton said their officers were always willing to have a conversation with people about their debts.

“Anyone who is having trouble paying for whatever reason should contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss payment options and avoid enforcement action,” he said.

To pay and manage your SPER debt, visit: online.sper.qld.gov.au

Originally published as SPER seizes 45 vehicles and collect $300,000 in Townsville crackdown