Portsmouth council to send the message that ‘crime doesn’t pay’ with a £50,000 court action reserve

The authority has been using the Proceeds of Crime Act since 2009 which allows it to take back cash from criminal activity independently from the police.

But it is now seeking to widen use of the act, including on rogue landlords, fly-tipping, parking fraud and counterfeiting, by creating a more comprehensive framework.

It is also looking to create a £50,000 reserve will be established to offset the costs incurred during pursuing court action.

Deputy council leader Councillor Steve Pitt said: ‘Our regulatory services team has a 100 per cent success rate for prosecutions and cost recovery. Proceeds of Crime Act powers can act as an effective deterrent to criminal activity above and beyond other types of legal action and sentences to ensure criminals don’t profit from their actions. It sends a strong message that in this city 'crime doesn’t pay.’”

A decision on whether to implement the cash reserve and the new framework will be made at a cabinet meeting on March 10.