Wakefield police seize £500,000 from criminals in 12 months

In new data released today, West Yorkshire Police revealed that they had seized almost £10.5m from criminals in the last 12 months, much of which was used to compensate victims, benefit community causes and support operational policing priorities.

The Wakefield Proceeds of Crime Team, who cover the Wakefield district, said that they had seized cash and property belonging to criminals, including houses, vehicles and luxury items such as high value clothing, handbags and watches.

Among these was £4,000 recovered in cash from a man who was charged and convicted of theft and handling and received three years in prison, £95,000 taken from a man who rescieved five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud.

It also included £20,000 taken from a man who was growing cannabis in a business premises, who has since beet sentenced to three years in prison.

Detective Inspector Phil Davis of Wakefield CID said: "The team have worked exceptionally hard to get the money criminals have stolen back to their victims.

"Half a million pounds in a year for us as a district is an incredible number. It’s great to see that this money will now not only help victims or crime but also organisations across the district who work to keep people safe.

"By reinvesting seized assets in the community, we can support the projects which continue to make a difference in Wakefield district and give back to the communities which have been affected by criminality."

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said: “This is a great result by West Yorkshire Police and specifically the Economic Crime teams. I know just how hard these dedicated teams work across West Yorkshire to ensure crime doesn’t pay and they have my sincere thanks, and I’m sure the appreciation of the wider public in achieving these results.

“Their significant efforts have meant that victims of crime have had their money returned, and my Safer Communities Fund (SCF) which is fully financed through POCA has had crucial money available to give to good causes and projects addressing crime and community safety across West Yorkshire.

“Since I launched the fund in 2014, which was a key commitment following my election in 2012, it has now given out grants totalling nearly £3m to around 700 organisations working to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, protect the vulnerable and support victims. It’s a testament to the great work of the police and prosecutors that so many communities will continue to benefit in this way.”