Views sought in crime cash scheme

Top of the range cars and helicopters have been seized from criminals

Residents in the Northumbria force area are being asked how cash seized from criminals should be spent.

The Home Office's Community Cashback scheme is inviting people to use a dedicated website to nominate projects to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Up to £95,000 is being made available to the Northumbria region.

Traditionally money recovered from criminals has been split between police and government departments in the criminal justice system.

The £4m scheme is inviting people in 42 areas in England and Wales to vote online for where the money should go.

Local Criminal Justice Boards will then be invited to bid for the cash.

The money has been raised through the sale of assets, such as yachts and cars, confiscated by police.