North East Herts MP, Oliver Heald, is backing calls by Hertfordshire Constabulary for the public to help to identify possible criminals in the neighbourhoods. The aim is to identify, investigate and prosecute those making a living from crime.
The police are interested in those living a life of luxury with no obvious source of income. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 the police are able to strip criminals of any assets such as houses, cash and cars gained through their illegal activities.
The police also want to know about businesses which benefit from illegally-obtained income though crimes such as arranging fraudulent mortgages, selling stolen mobile phones or money laundering.
Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “Criminals should not benefit from their crimes and the proceeds of illegal acts should be seized and ploughed back into the community. The police need the help of the public to identify possible criminals.”