MORE than 30 wanted people have been arrested by police for failing to appear in court or for evading justice, it has emerged.

The 33 people were arrested under by Thames Valley Police (TVP) under Operation Reaper between October 2 and 13.

Seven of those arrested were from our area: two in Slough, two in Windsor and Maidenhead, and three in South Bucks.

TVP said most of those arrested had breached court orders, committed driving offences or theft. One man was arrested on suspicion of assault.

However TVP had actually attempted to arrest 194 people in early morning and late night raids during the operation.

In total eight women and 25 men aged between 19 and 66 were located. They were facing a variety of offences in court.

Det Sgt Granville Williams, leading the operation, said: "Every day officers work really hard to safeguard victims and bring those that offend against them to justice.

“It is disheartening to see that many offenders deny justice being served by failing to appear at court and going on the run as fugitives.

“Thames Valley Police has recognised this growing problem and this two week operation is part of the measures put in place both locally and regionally to bring wanted fugitives to justice and achieve satisfactory closure for victims. I expect this successful initiative will continue."