Criminal assets boost for police

Derbyshire Police are to benefit from more than £83,000 seized from the assets of criminals.

The money is part of nearly £6m which will be given to police forces in England and Wales following confiscation orders.

Following the Proceeds of Crime Act which came into effect in 2003, £497m has so far been seized.

A scheme introduced three years later allows police and recovery agencies to retain half of all cash they seize.

Crime reduction

Mick Creedon, Chief Constable of Derbyshire Police, said: "We are making more and more use of the powers to seize assets from criminals.

"Through this we're seeing the impact this activity can have in terms of not only hitting criminals where it really hurts, but also reducing crime and helping to build greater community confidence.

"The public are quite rightly sick and tired of seeing criminals leading lavish lifestyles without challenge.

"We continue to work closely with the Home Office and other asset recovery agencies to ensure that not only does crime not pay, but that it is also seen by the public that it doesn't pay."