POCA seizure provides perfect ‘toy story’ for vulnerable children this Christmas

A force has gifted thousands of pounds worth of toys to the NSPCC following a local investigation – just in time for Christmas. The gifts, which included a Yamaha keyboard and several figurines, were part of a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) seizure carried out by South Wales Police. An increase in enforcement in the last four weeks across the Western BCU – particularly with regard to drug offences – meant the force was able to hand over £14,000 of toys to the charity. The toys will now be given to vulnerable children to help “with their recovery from all forms of abuse and neglect” just in time for Christmas. Detective Chief Inspector Bryan Heard said POCA is a “fantastic” resource to ensure criminals feel the “full force of the law” after they have been sent to prison and in this instance enabling “the whole community” to benefit. “It’s great to link in with our partner agencies and to provide the NSPCC with these amazing toys – and I am sure they will be gratefully received by the children.” He added: “I want to thank the local community, as it is only through their engagement and quality information that we were able to bring the offenders to justice. “I would also like to highlight that this initiative has only been possible following the positive outcome from the courts – and that is thanks to the valuable information we receive from communities across the Western Bay area who engage with the police to ensure criminal behaviour is not tolerated.” Amanda De Leon Capdesuner, team manager of children’s services at the NSPCC Swansea service centre, said: “We are delighted to receive these toys from South Wales Police as they will make a massive difference to the work we do with children, helping with their recovery from all forms of abuse and neglect. “At the NSPCC Swansea service centre we work directly with children and young people who have experienced multiple adversities including child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation, families suffering from domestic abuse and with people who need help with the earliest stages of parenthood. “All of these services will benefit from the very kind donation from South Wales Police.”