Police have made eight arrests and seized £10,000 in cash during a week of action targeting the ill-gotten spoils of criminals across the district.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) week of action started with a raid on two properties in Wrose and one in Eccleshill.

Three men, aged 20, 28 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and fraud. They have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Six more properties, several cars and bank accounts have been restrained and assets of £750,000 have been identified.

A 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested from addresses in Bierley and Tyersal on counterfeiting charges and about £2,000 of counterfeit money was seized.

Two women, aged 32 and 38, were arrested at addresses in Little Horton and Barkerend in connection with money laundering and fraud. Both have been bailed pending further financial inquiries.

A 43-year-old woman was arrested yesterday on suspicion of money laundering and a Range Rover, worth £57,000, was seized.

Detective Sergeant Simon Pridegon, of Bradford South CID, who led the raids, said: “Eight people have been arrested during this week of action specifically targeting people who we believe have been living off the proceeds of crime.

“If they are charged and found guilty of these charges, West Yorkshire Police will seize their assets, which include cash and property.

“We want to send a clear message to anyone living off the proceeds of crime that it won’t last and we will take those assets from them.”

Children from three schools in the Wyke area were given fluorescent jackets this week to help keep them more visible when walking to and from school and playing outside.

The jackets were partly funded from the sale of criminal assets.

Det Sgt Pridgeon said: “What better use of criminals’ money than to help keep young children safe on dark mornings and nights. Money made from the sale of criminals assets is used to improve the lives of law-abiding people living in the Bradford district.”

Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, Divisional Commander for Bradford South, said: “I am delighted that assets seized from criminals are being put to good use.

“I hope that by putting the money back into the communities the crimes affect, we can encourage people to tell us if someone is living beyond their means off the proceeds of crime.”

If anyone suspects there are criminals in their community living off the proceeds of crime they should ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. For further details visit www.whyshouldthey.com.

e-mail: steve.wright @telegraphandargus.co.uk