£57k seized in Sunderland from Belgian prisoner arrested for drug and kidnap offences to help community groups at Christmas

Thousands of pounds seized from a Sunderland criminal will help spread Christmas cheer for local community groups.
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Around £177,000 seized from drug dealers, human traffickers and thieves by Northumbria Police officers will be used to benefit grassroot causes, as part of Northumbria Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness’ Operation Payback fund.

In Sunderland, cash and assets with a total value of £57,685 were seized when a man was arrested for drug possession with intent to supply, as well as kidnap. He is now serving time in a prison in Belgium.

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The fund uses monies obtained through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and includes a £19,608 confiscation order made last month following a successful conviction for weapon offences and money laundering.

The fund will open on December, 1, 2022The fund will open on December, 1, 2022
The fund will open on December, 1, 2022

The scheme hopes to give local children opportunities and keep them out of trouble both during school holidays and throughout the year, with youth clubs, sports teams, community hubs and schools all to benefit from much-needed cash.

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Kim McGuinness said: “There have been some fantastic results by Northumbria Police lately – lots of arrests and lots of money has been taken back and out of the wrong hands.

“There’s no better use for cash seized from crime than channelling it right back into our communities - to help prevent more crime. Yes, our police know local ASB hotspots and are busy planning extra patrols and crackdown operations, particularly in our open spaces and on public transport, but if we are going to curb the number of incidents, I want to throw everything at helping young people access the alternative – let’s prevent crime in the first place.

The Commissioner’s plan is focused on getting money back into the right hands.The Commissioner’s plan is focused on getting money back into the right hands.
The Commissioner’s plan is focused on getting money back into the right hands.
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“To do this I want to see real action and activities that kids want and benefit from and that in turn, will keep them out of trouble.”

She added: “And this isn’t all about the kids. This helps improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities and reduces the number of victims.

"People tell me they feel intimidated by groups of youths gathering at the Metro or vandalising their local park. I want to give kids a far more attractive way to spend their time, exploring their talents – boxing, dance, football, music – you tell me.”

Applications for funding close on January 15, 2023. Visit www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk to apply.