ACT and NSW police have joined forces to crackdown on outstanding First Instance Warrants for crimes like shoplifting, not attending court or late tax returns. 

Police say there are roughly 1300 First Instance Warrants in the ACT.

Judicial Operations Acting Superintendent Donna Hofmeier says letters will be sent to people with outstanding warrants, asking them to come forward and have their matter resolved.

“Many people may be unaware they have a warrant in existence until they receive the letter so it will be a chance for them to have the matter resolved in a timely and convenient manner, and to remove any future worry about being arrested,” Acting Superintendent Hofmeier said.

“If someone receives a letter, it’s important they call and make a time with the City Police Station to have the matter finalised.

“Those people that choose to ignore this courtesy letter risk being arrested for their outstanding warrant – so it’s in their best interests to come forward and have the matter settled.”

People who receive a first instance warrant letter should contact the Service & Process Team at City Police Station on 6256 7777 or act-service&process-team@afp.gov.au during business hours to arrange finalisation of their particular matter.