Police ask public to report suspects who flaunt wealth

♦ Police forces have launched a campaign that asks the public to shop suspected criminals who flaunt their wealth, using the slogan “Too much bling? Give us a ring!”

Five forces across the East Midlands, Notts, Leics, Northants, Derbyshire and Lincs, say Operation Bling is designed to seize millions of pounds of ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

The scheme allows people to report individuals suspected of enjoying a luxury lifestyle without obvious means to fund it.

Det Ch Insp Lee Mcbride of Northamptonshire Police said: “If you are aware of somebody with an expensive car or jewellery, we can do something about it if it doesn’t feel right.

“The basis of the campaign is to make people aware that they can’t keep their assets after committing a crime.”

Authorities estimated more than £150million is owed by criminals across the region.