There have been many stories recently regarding confiscations under the Proceeds of Crime Act and how satisfying it is to see that a court has recently ordered more than £170,000 to be paid back by a criminal who was part of a drugs operation, which saw him convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs – see page 11.

As the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, I know how important it is to seize the ill-gotten gains from criminals and get that cash ploughed back into the communities affected by crime, as well as the police, CPS and courts services to cover costs.

This is yet another case demonstrating how, through the efforts of officers, staff and prosecutors, we are getting that money back where it belongs in West Yorkshire.

I urge all your readers to play their part in getting all the Proceeds of Crime cash back rather than 50 per cent of the proceeds currently going directly to the Treasury.

Following a long-running campaign that I instigated during my election campaign more than 12 months ago, I have raised this with Policing Minister Damian Green, urging him to look at closing loopholes with regards to the Act, meaning illegal gains can be moved overseas and elsewhere.

Now I am asking your readers to help me get the legislation changed, because the Act has brought thousands of pounds back into communities across West Yorkshire.

But we can get more, to support those communities devastated by crime.

So please do your bit and show the criminals there is no hiding place for their illegal assets, money and properties by signing my petition at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/52046.

Mark Burns-Williamson

Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire