More than £1m seized from Derbyshire criminals

The latest figures released by Derbyshire police show that between 1st April 2013 and the end of March 2014 almost £20,000 per week in cash and other assets were removed from offenders.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) gives police and other investigating agencies the power to take criminals to court to recover the wealth people have made by committing crime such as drug dealing or selling stolen property.

The act allows police to confiscate money from people at the crown court if they have been convicted of a criminal offence.

Cash suspected of coming from crime, or for use in crime, can also be forfeited during a civil hearing at a magistrates’ court.

The biggest confiscation order over the last year involved a couple who ran cannabis farms in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and the West Midlands who were ordered to pay back more than £450,000.

Detective Inspector Rob King, from the East Midlands Fraud and Financial Investigation Unit, said: “Every week tens of thousands of pounds are being removed from criminals.

“Some of this money comes back into Derbyshire and is used in the continued fight against crime and those profiting from criminal activity.

“Our message to offenders is clear – crime does not pay. We will pursue you through both the criminal courts and any assets you may have will be stripped from you.”

If you have information about someone who is enjoying the proceeds of crime, contact Derbyshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.