Police make crooks pay for their crimes

Police in our community are not only protecting the public but making criminals pay for their crimes … and that’s just how it should be.

Two stories we reveal today are great examples of the kind of policing people want to see in their community.

In one, we have weapons and drugs taken off Sunderland streets by officers acting on intelligence.

In another, a convicted drug gang ringleader has found himself back in court as police try to claw back his ill-gotten gains.

Andrew Black was the kingpin in a gang that was flooding communities with cocaine and ecstasy.

That he was caught and ended up serving 14 years could easily have been the end of the story.

But police are determined to claw back as much of the £2.3million he made through his crimes. That bid was supported by the courts with a judge ruling he must pay back more than £200,000 face further jail time. The application for the cash was part of Operation Sentinel, the police’s North East fight against serious organised crime. Detective Sergeant Thomas Maughan said: “We are happy with the outcome, however, make no mistake, if Blake’s assets increase further, we will make a further application to recoup that money. This order shows that in addition to prosecuting those who believe they are above the law we will also pursue them to deprive them of their criminal gains.”

Two stories, two great results … this tough action on criminals is exactly the public wants. Long may it continue.