HIGH value goods seized from criminals are being sold on a new eBay site launched by Hertfordshire Police.

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 gives officers powers to gain confiscation orders for sums of money through the courts against criminals who have benefitted financially from their crimes.

Police will then seize goods to be auctioned or money from them to fulfil the orders.

The local constabulary is one of the first forces in the country to launch an eBay site.

Simon Hill, financial investigation manager, said: “eBay is another powerful tool to help us sell seized items and so make sure crime does not pay for criminals.

“Criminals will often buy expensive items with the money they have made from drugs, burglary or similar. But, if we can seize these high value items and sell them on, we can still hit them in the pocket.

“We have seen some success already on eBay, with 15 items sold since we joined eBay in October and we hope to steadily increase the numbers of goods we are adding on there in the coming months.”

So far, sold items have included golf clubs, designer clothes and accessories, and jewellery.

Items to be added in the future will include Louis Vuiton and Prada clothing, Xboxes, flat screen TVs and jewellery, including Rolex watches.

Money generated from auction sales and the confiscation orders will go in compensation to victims of crime, as well as helping fund crime fighting initiatives in the county and beyond.

Mr Hill added: “I would like to encourage the public to help us hang criminals out to dry by buying items from our site.

“The goods are all authentic, as described and you could be helping us ensure crime does not pay, as well as helping victims receive the compensation they deserve.

“Also, if you know of someone who is benefitting financially from crime in Hertfordshire, I would like to encourage you to report it to us.”

To see the Herts Police eBay shop, go to http://stores.ebay.co.uk/hertspolice

If you have any information on those benefitting from crime, call non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.