Almost £3.5 million seized by West Midlands Police
Almost £3.5 million has been recovered by West Midlands Police in a year as part of a crackdown on ill-gotten gains.
The cash was recovered from convicted criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) after a series of investigations were carried out.
A total of 150 court orders were handed out – allowing the force's economic crime unit to claw back the funds.
Offenders face a further jail term if they refuse to pay up, with the debt never going away until it is cleared.
Jenny Birch, head of the group, said: "We’re always conscious that convicted criminals, such as fraudsters or drug dealers, generate a significant financial benefit from their illegal activities.
"Although our work is painstaking and detailed to prove cash or assets like property or cars are linked to their criminality we are, and will remain focussed on, doing all we can to ensure crime doesn’t pay.
"I am incredibly proud of my team which managed to bring to light millions of pounds worth of criminal money last year and shows the force’s enquiries into criminal behaviour don’t just end following a court conviction."
The seized funds will be ploughed back into policing and helping to offer activities to youngsters through the Active Citizens Fund.
The unit has been backed by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Jamieson, who helped fund it.
Mr Jamieson said: "The Proceeds of Crime Act ensures that the money the police seize from criminals is put to good use keeping our communities safer.
"I’m pleased that in the past year we’ve allocated £160,000 to expand the work of the financial investigators who are helping us take more money from criminals to put to good use.
"Money seized by the new team is being put directly into helping those with substance misuse problems. The people who have been exploited and harmed by the criminals whose cash we have taken.
"My Active Citizens Fund is now in its fourth year and I’m continuing to see lots of excellent coming forward, improving lives and the communities they live in and care about.
"From sports clubs providing activities for young people, diverting them away from crime to Streetwatch groups, who support the police, tackle anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance to the public."
