Criminal cash boost for Midland police forces

Apr 14 2009

Police forces in the West Midlands are to receive more than £500,000 in a cash boost from assets seized by criminals, the Home Office have announced.

West Midlands Police will receive £397,262, Staffordshire Police £96,905, West Mercia Police 38,442 and Warwickshire Police £9,172 to help with their fight against crime.

More than £31.8 million in criminal assets were confiscated by police forces and other recovery agencies between October and December 2008, half of which will now be shared between police, prosecutors, courts and other agencies.

Since the Proceeds of Crime Act came into effect in 2003 around £530.5 million has been seized from criminals.

In 2006 a incentive scheme began that allows police and recovery agencies to retain half of all cash they seize from criminals.

A total of £5.5 million of money seized last year will be given to police forces in England and Wales, compared to the £5.14 million paid out in the same quarter of 2008.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: "This scheme is a great benefit for policing. Taking money from criminals makes crime far less profitable for them.

"At the same time, that money is ploughed directly back into the police force that seized it so they can use for their fight against crime in their area.

"Recovering more than £31 million from criminals in the space of three months is a great achievement and I want to thank the police and other partners for their hard work in seizing the money and undermining criminal gangs."