CRIMINALS who financed a life of luxury through theft, drug dealing and embezzlement have had their assets seized and donated to community projects.

CRIMINALS who financed a life of luxury through theft, drug dealing and embezzlement have had their assets seized and donated to community projects.

Confiscated belongings have been given to good causes throughout North Somerset and Sedgemoor by Avon and Somerset Police.

In the last year, the financial investigation unit (FIU) seized more than £2million worth of goods, which criminals gained through crime.

Donations in the last year have been made to Burnham Netball Club, Operation Jackal, a campaign in North Somerset to educate vulnerable people about the dangers of distraction burglary, and a bike theft scheme in North Somerset.

FIU manager Dr Kirstie Cogram said: "Ploughing the proceeds of criminal activity straight back into communities and crime reduction projects is part of the focus to rebalance the criminal justice system in favour of victims and communities.