CRIME PROPERTY SEIZURES TOP $500,000

More than half a million dollars worth of vehicles and property have
been seized by the government since it amended victims' restitution
legislation two months ago, but it is still up to the courts to
determine if the property will be sold.

Since the legislation was en-acted in mid-December, Justice Minister
Alison Redford said police officers across the province have applied
to seize instruments of crime.

Seven vehicles, including one used in an attempt to run down a police
officer, and a property near Wetaskiwin that housed a marijuana grow
op, have been seized in the past two months, since the government
unanimously voted to change the Victims Restitution and Compensation
Payment Act.

Redford said the seizures so far indicate the legislation, introduced
to target those who make crime their occupation, is hitting criminals
in the pocketbook: "You can't stop a dial-a-doper by suspending his
driver's licence. This legislation takes away his car."

Acting Staff Sgt. Gord Eiriksson of the Calgary police organized crime
operations centre said members have applied to seize two vehicles --a
Hummer H2 and a Chevy Cobalt--under the legislation and are working on
an application for a third. All belong to gang members, he said.