ONE of the success stories of recent years has been using the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize criminals’ assets.

And Lancashire police and Crown Prosecution Service have teamed up to lead the way in utilising this new legislation.

Over the months and years, there have been some significant seizures. But it is staggering today to hear the running total.

Figures disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act reveal £11,362,669 of Lancashire criminals’ cash has been recouped since 2006.

This money has gone back into the public purse and helped fund the CPS and police.

Before the legislation came into force, these ill-gotten gains would have been waiting for the criminals when they got out of jail.

That is completely wrong, and the powers make perfect sense. And Lancashire officials should be applauded for being at the forefront.

In a era when many people perceive crown court sentences to be on the soft side, it is a great way of helping justice to be done.

The county seized £5,753,770 in the financial year to March 2009. The FOI figures for this financial year show £1million had been obtained by October, which seems to indicate there will be a decrease year-on-year.

Let’s hope this is not the case by the end of March. Officials need to try to seize criminals’ cash at every opportunity.