Police Force's eBay account generates more than £1.7 million

Leicester Police's eBay account has generated more than £1.7 million pounds from the sale of unclaimed or confiscated items since it was launched in 2008.

The account is used to sell surplus police goods, items that have been recovered during police investigations and are not claimed, or property that has been confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Last year, antiques to the value of £23,000 and a Breitling Swiss watch were among the 1,230 items auctioned.

Leicestershire Police was the first force in the country to use eBay to auction property in this way.

Income generated from the sales of POCA items is submitted to the Home Office who then return a percentage of the money to the force which is shared between the police, victims, courts and the criminal justice system.

The remaining income from the sale of other items remains with the force.