In brief: Courts win power to confiscate profits

Courts are now able to confiscate profits gained through "serious and acquisitive crime" by persistent offenders following the enforcement last week of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1995. The Act means criminals face losing their homes, cars and possessions if courts believe they have been bought with the proceeds of crime. "It cannot be right that persistent offenders should be able to live off the profits of crime at the cost and suffering of those who live within the law," said Home Office Minister David Maclean.