POLICE are writing to every suspect in Southend who has an outstanding warrant against them.

The letters are sent out automatically when a warrant is issued and urge the receiver to give themselves up.

It is for people who have failed to appear at court, failed to pay their fines, have breached the terms of their probation, or failed to return on bail.

Police stressed the letters were just one of the methods used.

Det Insp Colin Norton, of Southend Police, said: “These people will be arrested so it saves a lot of time if they come to the police station themselves, so that no further delay is caused to their case. “I would also appeal to anyone who receives a warrant letter at their home but addressed to the previous occupier to contact police.”