CRIMINAL assets seized by Cheshire Police are now on sale to members of the public with savvy customers set to grab a bargain.

The bidding war has also ready commenced on some of the items which have been listed for sale for a fraction of the retail price.

Nike Air Max trainers have been put on the market at a starting price of 99p while Salomon XPro Energyzer 80 Ski Boots are available from 99p.

Warrington Guardian:

Shoppers could also have change from a £1 coin if they treat themselves to the Ted Baker Derby lace up shoes – again listed for only 99p.

A number of items are currently listed for sale including a ski helmet and boots on the Cheshire Police eBay site.

Warrington Guardian:

The money raised will be ploughed back into the community to help victims' of crime.

Karen Jaundrill, detective sergeant of the Financial Investigation Unit, said: “By selling items in this way, we hope to generate a bigger income from criminal assets, which in turn will benefit victims of crime and be reinvested in local policing initiatives.”

With a 99.5 per cent positive feedback rating it appears many online shoppers have been happy with their purchases from the online shopping Mecca.

The public can purchase items that have formed part of a court confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002.

The purpose of POCA is to deprive a convicted criminal of any financial benefit they have made through their crimes. POCA forces convicted criminals to sell their assets in order to pay off their confiscation order. 

These goods are authentic but have been bought with money obtained through crime.
The cash raised from these online auctions will go back to the Home Office with Cheshire Constabulary receiving 18 per cent of the proceeds.

So far, more than £20,000 has been raised by selling items such as digital cameras, laptop computers and mobile phones. 

This money has been reinvested into policing in Cheshire.

To join the bidding war click here.