SOUTH Yorkshire Police have revealed that £1.4million has been paid back by criminals who have benefited from their lives of crime during 2024.

Dozens of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) orders have been issued to criminals who have been through the courts. Those served with these orders will pay back money into the Criminal Justice System.

The orders are secured through the work of the Police’s Asset Recovery Team. This forms part of the work of the Economic Crime Unit to ensure that those who commit crime have to pay back to the communities that they have negatively impacted.

The largest confiscation order was handed out in March to Harrison Utley. The 21-year-old, formerly of Stanley Road, Sheffield, was ordered to pay back £192,496 after being sentenced to eight years in jail for drugs trafficking offences.

Officers in the ECU assess how criminals, like Utley, have benefited from his illegal activity, calculating an amount and then look at what they have available to pay back into the system.

This includes money available in the bank, as well as assets such as property, vehicles and luxury clothing.

In total, £1,420,142.27 worth of POCA Confiscation orders were issued during 2024, with an additional £788,976.19 in POCA civil forfeiture orders being obtained.

Laura Hough, Head of Asset Recovery, said: “Individuals involved in criminality can sometimes see hundreds of thousands of pounds in financial gain, often buying luxury items, expensive cars and even extra properties.

“The ECU team ensures that criminals will not benefit from a life of crime which often has impacted local communities for the worse.

“This process is helped by intelligence submitted by the public. We can’t do our work without the help of our communities. Your information can help us understand how much an individual has benefited from crime.

“Have you noticed someone in your community who doesn’t have a job or has no explanation as to why they have a second car or why they are suddenly wearing designer clothing? They may be gaining this money illegally.

“If you see something that is not quite right, we are urging you to report it to us, or through Crimestoppers if you don’t want to talk to us directly and stay anonymous.”

“Tell us what you know – call 101 or go through our suspicious activity online portal. If you don’t feel comfortable contacting us directly, you can get in touch with Crimestoppers on www.Crimestoppers-uk.org”