PEOPLE living on Teesside are being urged by police to "shop"

criminals who flaunt their lavish lifestyles for all to see.

Cleveland Police say there is one in every neighbourhood.

Giveaway indications could be a top of the range Mercedes or BMW parked on the drive, and expensive tastes and lifestyle, well beyond the owner's suspected income.

Detective Inspector Bill Matthews, head of the force's economic crime unit, said: "Virtually every estate in this force area - and indeed throughout the country - house people who fit this profile, and the decent lawabiding residents of those estates know who these people are.

"I believe that little undermines public confidence in the judicial system more than the perception that criminals can finance lavish lifestyles through their dishonest activities without fear of retribution or reparation.'' Cleveland police are launching a campaign on Monday - Too much bling? Give us a ring - to recruit the help of local people in stripping criminals of their illgotten gains.

The Proceeds of Crime Act came into effect in 2003, to provide police officers with wideranging powers.

The Cleveland force has served £3m worth of confiscation orders on Teesside criminals since April 2005.

Det Insp Matthews said: "The Proceeds of Crime Act provides us with the opportunity to not only prosecute and imprison criminals, but to also strip the assets they have obtained, either directly or indirectly, from their criminal conduct.

"It is important for people to know that this is not only targeted at the stereotypical Mr Big' criminal and drug dealer, but is equally effective against criminals such as the car thieves, burglars and street robbers who blight our local communities.'' Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Ron Hogg said: "The force is committed to using the Proceeds of Crime Act to remove the assets from those who have benefited from crime. We have specialist teams to deal with money laundering investigations, and the results over the last couple of weeks bare this out, with major seizures throughout the force area resulting in more than £200,000 of cash recovered."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800-555-111.