MORE than 140 suspected criminals are facing justice following a round up of court dodgers.

Police have targeted bail bandits in Bolton since Operation Turn Up was launched to bring more offenders before the courts.

And those who remain on the police wanted list were today warned that they faced a swift arrest as the crackdown continues.

"There is no hiding place for people who think they can dodge the law by not turning up at court," said PC Dave Feehan of Bolton Police.

Offenders, some of whom have been on the run for as long as four years, were targeted in a series on dawn raids at homes across the town since the start of February.

They were arrested for a range of offences including theft, harassment, possessing offensive weapons, criminal damage, drink driving and breaching court orders.

Police are still hunting eight of their nine "most wanted" offenders, identified in February in the Bolton Evening News, for a range of serious offences.

Marie Gillard, aged 33, of Tonge Moor, wanted for alleged offences of theft and breaching a court order, was arrested last month.

Some have been on the run for more than four years and police have warned that they may still pose a serious risk to the public.

Others handed themselves in to police when the operation started.

There are around 600 bail dodgers in Bolton who are wanted by police and warrants have been issued for their arrest.

PC Feehan added: "This has given us the impetus and we will carry on searching for these people.

"They will get a knock on their door and they will be arrested and brought before the courts.

"The operation has gone very well and results have exceeded our expectations.

"The message seems to be getting hammered home and its up to courts to decide if they should face prison for skipping bail for such a long period of time."

Figures released today show that police in Bolton have seen one of the best clean-up rates across Greater Manchester, with officers in only two areas - North Manchester and the city centre - making more arrests.