Text entered

Cash confiscated as Payback continues

Northumbria Police

4 March 2008


A Sunderland man has been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds after officers caught him with heroin in his car.
It's the first confiscation order of the new financial year and is part of Operation Payback 2, Northumbria Police's big push to seize the assets of career criminals who wear badges of wealth, targeting both low level offenders as well as those who profit from organised, serious crime.
Ian Wrightson, of Lilac Avenue, Sunderland, was sentenced to three years in prison on February 11, after being found guilty of possession of drugs with intent to supply. Officers had stopped his car on the A19 in Easington and found heroin with a street value of around £14,000.
On Tuesday, April 1, a judge ordered him to pay back £7,450 in a confiscation hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
The campaign to take the cash out of crime continues this week, and this morning a raid took place at a house off Woodhorn Road, Ashington, Northumberland. A 38-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and are helping police with enquiries.
This follows a series of raids which have taken place across the force this week, resulting in six arrests and assets including cash, cars and jewellery being seized.
Following each operation leaflets informing local residents exactly what has taken place and why have been distributed by Neighbourhood Policing teams.
The leaflets also encourage residents to provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers about people they believe may be living their lives on the back of crime.
Ashington Neighbourhood Inspector Richard Yeats said: "A vital part of the campaign is keeping the community informed about what is happening in their area and the reason why.
"Their involvement plays a key role in targeting the small minority of people who commit crime in this area and bringing them to justice. This morning's operation proves that if concerns are raised within the community we will take whatever action is necessary."
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, police can seize any cash or goods if they are believed to be criminal property or being used to commit crime. As part of Chief Constable Mike Craik's pledge of Total Policing, Northumbria have taken every opportunity to use these powers.
The aim of the campaign is to target people who have extravagant lifestyles without any obvious source of income, such as a job. Anyone suspected of financing their lifestyle through crime could have their assets seized.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Butler, of the force's Economic Crime Unit, said: "The results of the campaign so far and the fact we had our first confiscation order of the new financial year is very good news.
"It's a testament to how officers and staff in all departments within Northumbria Police work together as a team to take enforcement action against criminals and continue the reduction in crime and disorder.
"We are encouraged by the response of the public so far, as we've been receiving a lot of information via Crimestoppers, and I'd urge people to continue contacting us so we can carry on seizing assets from local criminals.
"I'd like to reiterate that no-one contacting us with information will have to give their name and they will not be asked to give evidence in court. Just give us the information and we'll do the rest."
Anyone who has information which could help identify offenders can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the website at www.northumbria.police.uk