Criminals are paying for new crime prevention measures in Mid Sussex following a recent prosecution by Mid Sussex District Council.  

In August 2015 Imran Shahid and Tariq Wasi pleaded guilty to converting greenfield land in Copthorne to an illegal airport car park.  The men failed to obtain planning permission and ignored a Stop Notice from the Council to cease trading and so continued to profit from the activity.  Mid Sussex District Council obtained a Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act.  A Crown Court Judge ordered that the full amount be confiscated.  

The Council has now received over eight and a half thousand pounds from the Home Office as its share of the proceeds under the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme.  

The money is being used to fund projects which reduce crime or the fear of crime in Mid Sussex.