SIR – I read your editorial regarding confiscations under the Proceeds of Crime Act and how satisfying it is to see that a court ordered £170,000 to be paid back by criminals who were part of an international criminal ring (T&A, January 25).
As Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, I know how important it is to seize the ill-gotten gains from criminals and get it ploughed back into the communities affected by crime, as well as the police, CPS and courts services.
This is another case demonstrating how we are getting that money back where it belongs.
I urge your readers to play their part in getting all the Proceeds of Crime cash back rather than 50 per cent of the proceeds currently going directly to the Treasury.
Following a long-running campaign I have raised this with Policing Minister Damian Green, urging him to look at closing loopholes with regards to the Act, meaning illegal gains can be moved overseas and elsewhere.
Now I am asking your readers to help me get the legislation changed, because as your comment shows, the Act has brought thousands back into Bradford. But we can get more. So please sign my petition at westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk.
Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire
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