Police to demonstrate that crime doesn't pay (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Police to demonstrate that crime doesn't pay

12:02pm Tuesday 16th March 2010

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A HIGH value high performance car, seized by West Mercia Police, will go on display in Redditch this weekend.

The silver Audi R8 worth approximately £80,000, will be displayed in Worcester Square at the Kingfisher Centre on Saturday.

Officers are displaying the car in a bid to show that crime doesn’t pay and reassure the public that they will use every power available to them to seize and confiscate assets purchased with the proceeds of crime.

The car was seized in January 2009 during a major drugs operation spanning West Mercia and West Midlands police force areas. Around 15 kilos of import quality cocaine with a street value in excess of £3 million was also seized.

Paul Malcolm Baillie, 41, from Ashmead Drive in Cofton Hacket, was one of three men arrested in connection with this drugs haul in January 2009 and later charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 17 years in jail.

Dc Chief Insp Andy Hughes, from West Mercia’s serious and organised crime unit, said: “This was one of the largest drugs seizures ever made by West Mercia Police and all three men involved received lengthy jail sentences.

“However, their accumulated assets from supplying class A drugs over a considerable period of time were significant and our officers also seized three vehicles believed to have been purchased from the proceeds of their crimes. This included the Audi R8 that Baillie paid for in cash.

“By seizing this car and putting it on display, we hope to show honest hard-working people that we’re not prepared to let criminals enjoy their ill-gotten gains and police will take action where appropriate.

“We also hope it will encourage others in the community to share concerns they have about the supply of drugs in their neighbourhood or if they notice anyone purchasing high value cars or other items without seemingly having the means to do so.”

He said the proceeds from selling the car will be given towards Community Cash Back Schemes. These are initiatives aimed at reducing crime and which directly help the local community.

Police also hope the displayed Audi might deter youngsters who might otherwise follow a negative role model like Baillie into a life of crime.

Anyone with concerns about the supply of drugs or with information to share can call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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