Almost 500 people across Lancashire wanted for recall to prison have been arrested and sent back to jail this year.
Figures show that from 500 people released to be supervised in Lancashire but who then failed to keep to their terms of their licence, there are fewer than 20 outstanding.
Earlier this week, wanted Preston man Daniel Billington, who has been wanted on a prison recall since February 2008, was arrested in Tenerife by Spanish police. Arrangements are being made for him to be brought back to the UK for him to be returned to prison.
“It has been a busy year for Lancashire Police in tracing and arresting those who have been released early from their prison sentence but have failed to comply with the conditions of release,” notes Inspector John Clucas. “Our officers have worked hard to ensure those that choose to ignore these conditions are promptly brought back into prison to serve the remainder of their sentence.
“As with many things in policing we cannot do this without the help from members of the public, and friends and acquaintances of those who are wanted. We just need that little bit of information in some cases that will lead us to the person who we are seeking to arrest.
“I know we will not reduce our efforts in 2012 and from the Lancashire Constabulary the message is clear, those who offend will be identified and where possible brought to justice, those who are punished will be expected to comply with their sentence, and those that choose not to will be dealt with accordingly.
“I also would urge those who know they are wanted to come forward and give themselves up so they can start the New Year with a clean slate.”
• Details of those wanted by Lancashire Constabulary are put on the Wanted section of the force website www.lancashire.police.uk