A woman ordered to pay more than £60,000 back to a pensioner after forging cheques is one of many criminals whose finances are suffering for their wrongdoing.

More than £2 million of cash and assets have been recovered from criminals and suspects operating in the county in the last year, Kent Police claim.

A Gravesend couple also forfeited £90,600 cash after their home was raided as part of an investigation into class A drug supply.

They were never actually charged with any offences relating to the case, but officers were able to prove the money seized was connected to the sale of illegal substances.

Another fraudster, this time from Tunbridge Wells, had to pay a woman back £9,043 after he met her on a dating website and tricked her into investing in companies which did not exist.

Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate use the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure drug dealers and others who earn a living through illegal trades cannot continue to benefit when they get out of prison.

Any seized cash more than £1,000, suspected to have been earned through criminal activity or intended to be used for such, permits a cash forfeiture order.

There were 69 of these orders authorised between April 2018 and March 2019, totalling £837,049.

Investigators can also file confiscation orders of items which convicted offenders have obtained from criminal activity.

During the last year, these orders generated £1.2 million.

Nick Downing, assistant chief constable of Kent Police, said: "Many people who commit crime do so because they see it as an easy way to make money, whether it is by selling property they have stolen or supplying drugs like crack cocaine and heroin.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act enables us to prevent criminals from continuing to reap the benefits of their illegal activities even after they have been arrested, charged and sent to prison.

"It can also be used in cases where we have been unable to prove a person was guilty but when the courts agree the money or property was gained unlawfully."

Assets recovered under the Act are distributed to Kent Police, the Home Office and other agencies, and then reinvested into policing.

If someone you know has unexplained wealth or is benefiting financially from crime, please contact Kent Police on 101 or click here.

Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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