DOES SOMEONE you know live a lavish lifestyle but doesn’t have the legitimate income to pay for it?
Are they living beyond their means? Could they be benefiting from crime?
These are some of the questions being asked as part of the police’s latest campaign targeting people living lavish lifestyles on the proceeds of crime.
The Too Much Bling, Give Us a Ring campaign was launched in a bid to encourage the public to report their suspicions about people who appear to be wealthy despite any evidence of a legitimate income.
Detective Inspector Gerwyn Lloyd from North Wales Police’s Operational Services Group said: “It is incredibly disheartening, especially in the current economic climate, for hard-working, honest people to see others leading affluent lives off the back of crime.
“This campaign aims to target those who live far in excess of their income through the proceeds of crime. These individuals are responsible for undermining communities and destroying lives - we want to put a stop to it and we want the public to help."
Police can use powers provided by the Proceeds of Crime Act to freeze assets, seize cash and subsequently confiscate or forfeit all assets judged to have been obtained by crime.
The courts can also sentence individuals to extendable periods of imprisonment if they fail to comply with orders to pay back the ‘benefits’ of their crimes.
Report what you know to North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police will also be outside the Bay View Shopping Centre, Colwyn Bay from 10am until 4pm on Wednesday, January 19 should anyone wish to discuss any issues or share information.