Last updated 12:22, Saturday, 05 July 2008

CUMBRIA'S cops seized £1.3m from criminals last year making them one of  the top performing forces in England and Wales.

This week the government handed back nearly £37,000 to help continue the battle against crime in the county.

Cumbria CID boss Detective Chief Superintendent Iain Goulding said: “The Proceeds of Crime Act provides us with the opportunity to hit criminals where it really hurts – by affecting their lifestyles and taking back the assets they have acquired through criminality.

“The seizure of assets means money returned to us from the government can be used to help tackle crime in the very communities these criminals once used to operate in.

“Last year the Constabulary seized £1,300,000 in criminal assets which was nearly twice the target set by the Home Office and placed us as one of the top ten performing constabulary’s throughout England and Wales.

“This area of police work has also seen the force recognised as the number one performing force in the country for confiscation orders which forms a crucial part of the asset seizure process.

“The investment Cumbria Constabulary has made into financial investigation should ensure we continue to meet and exceed the demanding targets set by the Home Office.

“The money is the force’s share of the total illegal funds seized in the county between January and April.

“The government keeps half the money, with the rest going to frontline agencies, including police, prosecutors and the courts.”

Vernon Coaker, Home Office minister for crime reduction, said: “Asset recovery is critical in the fight against all levels of crime.”

Officers confiscate cash and possessions to prevent criminals enjoying a life of luxury once they leave prison.

In the past, offenders could rely on their proceeds of crime to ensure they enjoyed the good life after serving their time.

But legislation introduced in recent years allows police to apply for confiscation orders.