Criminals across Avon and Somerset have been forced to pay back more than £1.2 million from the proceeds of their crimes since April.
The money, which includes more than £600,000 compensation to victims of crime, has been recouped through the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Criminals jailed for a variety of drug, fraud and other offences have had confiscation orders imposed on them to ensure they pay the penalty for their illegal activities while also paying back money to charities, businesses and organisations they have swindled.
In some cases criminals have funded lavish lifestyles using the proceeds of their crimes, including luxury cars, houses and holiday homes. If criminals fail to pay back the confiscation order in full by the time they have served their prison sentence they face a further term of imprisonment.
Among those who have been ordered to pay back their ill-gotten gains are Stephen Parry who was employed by Bristol City Council as a team leader responsible for adapting the homes of disabled adults.
He was convicted of stealing £117,782.05 worth of property he bought for himself with council money.
Dr Kirstie Cogram, manager of the financial investigation unit, said: "Compensation for victims remains the main drive of the financial investigators, reinforced by the desire to tackle crime at all levels.
"Criminals have a negative impact on our communities and we will continue to work hard to ensure that they are not allowed to live off the proceeds of crime."
