There are two common perceptions of our criminal justice system: that sentences are too soft and fines are a waste of time, because the blighters just don't bother to pay them.

The first point is arguable, the second is not, if recent figures are anything to go by.

There are at least 9,000 people in Oxfordshire who have defaulted on fines imposed by the courts, owing £2.6m to the public purse.

Now at last the fine dodgers could have their collars felt, as well as their doors kicked down, under new powers designed to give bailiffs greater rights of entry to their homes.

The measures are long overdue. These people have been laughing at the law for too long.

It's high time they had the smiles wiped off their faces.