More than £100,000 a week is now being seized from criminals.

Prosecution chiefs highlighted the figures today to show how they and police are making increasing use of the powers available to them.

In the last 12 months some £5.5million has been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, said the Lord Advocate, Elish Angiolini.

This comprised £2.847m from convicted criminals, £1.365m from recovery orders granted by civil courts, and £1.335m from cash seizures.

The figure takes to £21m the total seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Money seized under the Act is invested in schemes to alleviate the effects of crime.

"The police, prosecutors and other agencies are making increasing use of the powers available to them under the Act, " said the Lord Advocate.

Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill welcomed the figures, which were announced as the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce held its latest meeting.

He also announced plans for police and organisations like HM Revenue and Customs to pilot joint investigation teams, under the leadership of a single senior investigating officer.