Criminals’ payback £2.3m

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney from Greater Manchester Police with money from the Proceeds of Crime Act

Greater Manchester Police has seized almost £2.3m from suspected criminals in 263 raids in the last 12 months under payback that uses the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to take cash from criminals and give it to communities.

The legislation allows officers to seize cash in excess of £1,000 from suspected criminals if they believe it has been made from or will be used to fund further criminal activity.

Magistrates courts then decide if any seized cash should be forfeited in which case it is used to support policing, the justice system and development projects in communities blighted by crime.

Last year £50,000 was split between seven community projects in Greater Manchester in grants of between £5 - 15k. Beneficiaries included a community skate park, youth, boxing and football clubs and allotment projects.

Since January this year £255k of payback funds have been divided between the 12 policing divisions in Greater Manchester to be used for a range of local policing priorities.

Payback is an extra weapon in the police’s fight against crime and is designed to stop offenders profiting from illegal activities and investing in further crime and to help repair some of the damage they have inflicted on their communities.

This punishment can be meted out in addition to prison sentences and fines. Though many cash seizures are linked to drug dealing offences the legislation can be used for redress in a variety of crimes.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney from Greater Manchester Police said: “ Payback hits criminals where it really hurts – in their pocket, and reinforces the message that crime does not pay.

“Many criminals in our area will not be enjoying the Christmas they were planning thanks to officers and the courts taking their ill-gotten gains from them.

“They thought they were untouchable but with the support of information provided by the public many are now in prison and penniless.

“If you suspect someone is living the high life funded by crime please tell us either directly on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. We need to know who they are, how they make their money, what they do with it and where they keep it.

“This information could be crucial in helping us claw-back ill-gotten gains, divert them to good causes and stop them being used to fund further crime in our communities.”