Dirty cash

Criminals enjoying a lifestyle of expensive cars, large houses, designer labels and the latest gadgets are at the centre of our campaign. We're appealing to local people to call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about those who they suspect are prospering from crime.

The campaign is based around the Proceeds of Crime Act [POCA], which allows the police to pursue criminals through the courts to confiscate their ill-gotten gains. Since March 2003, Derbyshire Constabulary has secured confiscation and cash seizures totalling more than £3.8 million.

Chief Superintendent Debbie Kelly said: "Our message today is very simple. Anyone who profits from crime in Derbyshire runs the risk of losing the financial and lifestyle gains that they have enjoyed up until now. At the same time, those that have already been stripped of their assets face a future of further confiscations should they ever return to crime.

"This campaign is about highlighting how members of the public can help ensure crime never pays. All too often communities pay the price for criminals while they enjoy the profits of crime. They may be drug dealers, burglars, fraudsters even shoplifters but whoever they are, their crimes affect us all. Your calls to Crimestoppers will help to end this injustice."

During the coming months the campaign will appeal to local people for information about those they suspect are living off crime. They could display signs of wealth and be cash rich and have plenty of time on their hands. They may have no legitimate employment but show unexplained wealth or else work but appear to live way beyond their means. It is information like this that helps boost police intelligence and their ability to hold criminals to account.

As Crimestoppers' East Midlands co-ordinator, Kevin Mosley remarks: "This is a real chance for people to pass on information anonymously about those who they suspect are benefiting from crime, without fear of reprisal. Crimestoppers is a charity that helps identify, prevent, solve and reduce crime. When you phone us, we won't ask your name or trace your calls - in fact no-one will know you have called us unless you tell them.

"The information you give us is vitally important as it allows us to put the police in the picture. It really can make all the difference."

If you have information about someone who is enjoying the proceeds of crime, please contact Crimestoppers anonymouslyon 0800 555 111.