Hertsmere residents encouraged to report 'bling' criminals

11:39am Tuesday 19th February 2008

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Police have again called on members of the public to anonymously report people they believe are benefiting from the proceeds of crime.

Two months since the launch of the 'Too much bling? Give us a ring!' campaign, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Crimestoppers have reiterated the importance of using the public as their eyes and ears to catch criminals who live lavish lifestyles on the back of illegal activities.

Detective Superintendent Mark Drew said: "We still need your help in stopping these criminals from flaunting the profits of their illegal activities in your community.

"Your calls can really make a difference to the society you live in by allowing the police to remove those negative role models.

"It's not too difficult to spot these people - they have the obvious signs that they're living beyond their means, with no legitimate way of funding it.

"These are the people in your community who live a lavish lifestyle with no legal way of supporting it."

Hertfordshire Crimestoppers has jointly funded the campaign, and chairman Peter Camilletti said: "Crimestoppers is completely anonymous and all calls are treated in the strictest of confidence.

"Your name or details won't be passed on to the police, it's just your information that they will use. There won't be any repercussions."

"It's important that you do come forward and help the police put an end to these criminals who think they can get away with living their life funded through crime."

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act police can strip criminals of any assets funded through ill-gotten gains. The value of seized property can then be reinvested to help police fight crime.

Since April last year, Hertfordshire Constabulary has been granted confiscation orders worth almost £1.1 million and seized more than £300,000 in cash.

If there is someone you suspect of benefiting from crime, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• Click here to watch Det Spt Drew explain more about the campaign