Crooks’ stamp collections will be seized

New items, including gems, bookies’slips, and stamps, can be seized under new proceeds of crime rules.

A fresh code of practice on police searches for assets linked to criminal activity has been published.

The guideline was put out for consultation ahead of legislation taking effect in the spring of next year.

The Criminal Finances Act 2017, which redefines what can be seized as a criminal asset, will include precious stones, stamps, watches and betting slips.

Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said:“Criminals should not be allowed to profit from their crimes and our law enforcement agencies already have robust powers to seize assets acquired by illegal means.

“More than £4million has already been recovered by the Crown Office and the Civil Recovery Unit this year and we will continue to disrupt the activities of criminals across Scotland.

“The draft code of practice will give Police Scotland officers clear guidance as they search for and identify valuable items which, while not simply being a sum of cash, are clearly assets purchased by means of criminal gain.

“Whether it’s a gold necklace, a diamond ring or a high-end watch, I am determined that crime will not pay and we will continue to put these ill-gotten gains back into communities through the Cashback programme.”