Roadshows Demonstrate How Criminals Cash Is Benefitting Communities

Friday, 12 October, 2012

In towns and city centres across West Yorkshire this month police officers are encouraging everyone to ask the question – how do they afford it?

West Yorkshire Police have been carrying out a week of action targeting those who are living beyond their means and benefitting from crime.

From Monday Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be handing out materials explaining what action officers have been taking to remove assets from criminals and re-investing the money back into local communities.

Media display vans will also be showing a short film. This can also be viewed by visiting www.westyorkshire.police.uk/whyshouldthey

Officers will be at the following locations:

Monday 15th October
0900 – 1700 – Centenary Square, Bradford
0830 – 1030 – Asda, Bradley
1100 – 1300 – Huddersfield Town Centre
1330 – 1500 – Holmfirth Town Centre
1600 – 1730 – Huddersfield Railway Station

Tuesday 16th October
0900 – 1700 – Duckworth Lane, Girlington
0800 – 1000 – Asda, Dewsbury
1100 – 1230 – Centre 27, Birstall
1245 – 1400 – Tesco, Batley
1430 – 1630 – Heckmondwike Town Centre

Wednesday 17th October
0830 – 1600 – Woolshops, Halifax
0900 – 1700 – Asda, Keighley

Thursday 18th October
0830 – 1630 – Wakefield City Centre
0830 – 1630 – Leeds City Centre

Friday 19th October
0830 – 1630 – Pontefract Town Centre
0830 – 1630 – Leeds City Centre

A car seized from a convicted criminal is also making a tour of the region too. As part of a confiscation order granted at the Courts this month, a Leeds man was ordered to pay back over £60,000 earned through crime. The man is currently serving a seven year prison sentence after being convicted of conspiring to supply Class A drugs.

Last year a staggering £12.3 million was taken from criminals in West Yorkshire, which is used to pay for further policing operations as well as contributions to good causes in communities.

Detective Superintendent Dean Henson of West Yorkshire Police’s Crime Division said: “This month we are encouraging everyone to ask the question – how do they afford it?

“Using powerful legislation such as the Proceeds of Crime Act we are able to remove assets from criminals who have been living off the proceeds of crime.

“But we can only take action against these criminals if we know about them – we need your help.

“Through action already taken we have been able to plough thousands of pounds back into local communities and we want that to continue.”

Why should criminals get away with living off the proceeds of crime? If you tell us we will take action. If you have any information call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.westyorkshire.police.uk/whyshouldthey

To receive live updates of action as it happens follow @westyorkspolice on Twitter or search #wypocaweek