15 Apr 2013

Police seizing more property from criminals

2:32 pm on 15 April 2013

The Government denies it has brought pressure on police to seize more property from criminals as a revenue gathering exercise.

Figures obtained under the Official Information Act show in the first two months of this year, assets worth $7.4 million were seized by police. That compares to $6.6 million for all of last year.

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall said it's a deliberate strategy to hit criminals where it hurts.

However, Labour police spokesperson Kris Faafoi said he's concerned the police might be under pressure to generate revenue, because of the state of the Government's books.

Police Minister Anne Tolley denied that and said she applauds the increased focus on hitting criminals where it hurts.

She said criminals are being hit where it hurts and (they) need to get the message that the police are serious about putting them out of business.

Since the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act became law in 2009, police have seized property with a total value of $27 million.

The property is first restrained and then after the case goes through court, the property is either returned or officially seized by the Crown.

Detective Superintendent Peter Devoy said a recent surge in forfeitures is due to cases from previous years finally coming to fruition.

About $110 million worth of assets is currently restrained. Mr Devoy said the amount seized will continue to increase as these cases work through court.