More than £20,000 has been taken from bank accounts across the north and north-east of Scotland in the past three months from people who have failed to pay court fines.
In Aberdeen alone, about 60 offenders had as much as £1,000 deducted directly from their savings accounts.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) targeted people who had been found guilty of assault, drugs misuse, speeding, theft, breach of the peace and driving while using a mobile phone
Last night, the SCTS said taking money from accounts directly was just one way of ensuring fines are paid.
Enforcement officers can also approach employers to arrange deductions from earnings, collect payment directly from benefits – and even clamp cars.
SCTS interim chief operations officer, David Fraser, urged people to pay up in the first place, as it could end up costing them more in the long run.
“If you have an outstanding fine, you should pay it now or you could be the next person to see your bank or your employer approached,” he said.
“If your car is clamped, you will wind up paying additional costs to retrieve it. It just isn’t worth it.”
Mr Fraser added that fines collection rates in the region “remain strong”.
About 87% of the value of sheriff court fines imposed between April 2011 and March 2014 were paid on time.