South Yorkshire criminals forced to cough up ill-gotten gains

SOUTH Yorkshire criminals have been finding that crime doesn’t pay after £3m was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act over the last 12 months.

Figures released by South Yorkshire Police revealed that the sum had been retrieved from convicted criminals through Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings between March 2011 and April 2012.

A further £2 million has been retrieved following previous hearings and the force is also awaiting a civil court judgement on a further £680,000.

South Yorkshire Police will use a share of the money to support the fight against crime.

Other beneficiaries include the charitable South Yorkshire Community Foundation which has so far received £30,000 to be distributed among groups and organisations across the region.

Graham Wragg, Economic Crime Unit Manager, said: “The South Yorkshire Community Foundation is a regular beneficiary of money secured by the Force through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

“The Foundation makes sure the money goes straight back into the community.”

Communities are already seeing the benefit from the SYCF’s distribution of funds from the proceeds of crime fund.

The Kiveton Park and Wales Community Development Trust was granted £1,500 and put the money towards purchasing Nintendo Wii consoles and sports equipment to run evening sessions for groups of young people.

Graham Wragg added: “The Force is committed to ensuring that money gained from criminal activity is seized and put back into the community.

“Criminals must not be allowed to benefit from their criminal activity and we will use the Proceeds of Crime Act legislation to ensure that they do not.”