Hitting criminals in the pocket has been effective as crooks are often more terrified of losing their loot than their liberty.
Scotland’s most notorious gangland figures often manage to build a network of assets paid for by illicit activities.
The Proceeds of Crime Act is supposed to claw back cash from criminals after they have been imprisoned.
And that money is often spent on important measures to divert young people from crime.
But as figures published today reveal, it often proves difficult to force the money out of the hands of cons.
In the first three months of 2020, authorities demanded £1.6million from crooks – but received just £74,000.
The Scottish Government says the size of the sums involved means confiscation orders are a time-consuming business.
Ministers insist the money is pursued over months and years – even if initial attempts are not successful.
But if the public is to have faith in the system it must see results.
Opposition parties have claimed the low amounts confiscated are proof that crime really does pay for certain crooks.
Prison is a deterrent but is viewed as an occupational hazard by the most hardened criminals.
Seizing their ill-gotten gains is the best way to hit them where it hurts.
They would think twice about committing more crimes if they knew there was little chance of them keeping any profits.
It’s vital crooks are made to pay for their actions – and if they fail to pay, they should be looking at a lot more jail time.
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