MORE than 70 people who skipped bail in south Warwickshire have discovered there is no escape from the criminal justice system.

The 73 defendants, who failed to turn up at court, are among more than 180 so-called bail bandits in Warwickshire, who were served warrants as part of a nationwide operation to crack down on offenders.

Operation Turn-Up ran from January 31 to February 11, resulting in letters being sent to offenders by the police giving them the chance to come forward, or receiving a surprise visit by police at their homes or workplaces.

The warrants executed represent nearly 60 per cent of those targeted, with more offenders expected to come forward as a result of the operation.