One police force in the UK is successfully capitalising on crime.
Leicestershire Police has harnessed the power of eBay to raise £273,000 this year by selling goods seized from criminals.
In all, more than £1.2m has been generated by its eBay sales since starting in September 2009 when the force became the first in the UK to sell seized items on eBay.
Sports cars, computers, designer jewellery and clothing have all gone for auction. An Aston Martin DB9 brought in £63,000 while an Audi A5 raised £29,500 and a Range Rover £15,500.
A Rolex watch sold for more than £13,000 and an autograph from Frank Sinatra earned £260.
Other items have been put on eBay, where it enjoys a 99.8% seller rating. Surplus police equipment has raised £39,209 and £24,050 from unclaimed lost property.
The force says it uses the money mostly for further crime fighting activities but donates some to charities, including those devoted to victims of crime.
Many of the goods confiscated resulted from information supplied by the public, but all were taken by the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act after officers proved they were bought with criminal funds.
Comments
But when can we expect to see the Portuguese courts 'clawing back' the illicit gains by criminals ?
And the politicians. Bent business owners. etc All the diverted European support funds ...
The routine being to seize the funds and use them whilst the criminal is preparing the paperwork and case in the Portuguese courts.
This - due to delays in hearings - gaining years of use for the general public. And just occasionally, some of it handed back, having been taken erroneously.
But shaking up the system !