I heard an advert on local radio today from The Leicestershire Constabulary. Entitled “Too Much Bling, Give Us a Ring”, the concept is that if you know someone that is obviously living above their means then call the Police and they will be investigated.
The Proceeds of Crime Act, which came into effect in 2002, allows police officers to pursue known criminals through the courts and effectively snatch back any ill-gotten gains. Leicestershire Constabulary is at the forefront of using this legislation to strip criminals of their ill-gotten gains with more than £2.2 million worth of property and cash seized from criminals since the legislation came into force.
Now whilst I fully support the investigation and prosecution of people who are fraudulently sponging off the state, selling drugs etc., not everyone who seems to have more money than they should is actually a criminal and I don’t like the idea of being investigated just because someone in the street thinks that my car is too expensive!
