Hundreds of bargain hunters gathered at an industrial estate last night at an auction designed to pay back the victims of crime.
The unreserved Government auction at Wilsons Auctions in Newport was taking bids for expensive items, with around 90 per cent of the 113 lots taken from one criminal couple in Scotland.
The pair had pretended to be bank staff, and called victims on the phone – telling them their accounts had been compromised and that they should transfer the balance of their accounts to supposed ‘safe’ accounts.
The unreserved Government auction at Wilsons Auctions in Newport was taking bids for expensive items, with around 90 per cent of the 113 lots taken from one criminal couple in Scotland
Designer handbags, shoes and a Rolex watch are among the luxury goods once enjoyed by criminals that are due to be auctioned off this month
In reality, these were private accounts held by others involved in the conspiracy.
When they were arrested in January 2015, stolen property, counterfeit goods and £10,000 in cash was seized from their home in Glasgow, along with designer shoes, handbags, clothing, and expensive jewellery valued at over £100,000.
Investigations into the couple’s finances showed that over £250,000 cash had been paid into their personal bank accounts at a time when they were supposedly dependent on benefits. This money was used to fund a luxurious lifestyle, including holidays abroad in Dubai.
Wilsons Auctioneer Aidan Larkin said: ‘Whatever we achieve at auction, that money is then put back into the public purse. In some cases, like with the assets we’re selling this evening, people who were victims have been identified, and anything raised tonight will eventually make its way back to them’
The unreserved Government auction at Wilsons Auctions in Newport was taking bids for expensive items, with around 90 per cent of the 113 lots taken from one criminal couple in Scotland
Those goods were seized by police and are now being sold under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Auctioneer and group asset recovery manager at Wilsons, Aidan Larkin, explains: ‘Wilsons Auctions act as the contractor for various law enforcement agencies across the UK, especially in Wales and the south west [of England].
‘Anything seized under Proceeds of Crime legislation is often, after a criminal trial (and after a number of years in some cases) identified by the court as being available to sell. Our job is to take these expensive assets and put them on the market for the highest possible price.
Wilsons Auction Newport Limited, where merchandise from criminal activity is being sold to the public
‘Whatever we achieve at auction, that money is then put back into the public purse. In some cases, like with the assets we’re selling this evening, people who were victims have been identified, and anything raised tonight will eventually make its way back to them.
‘We’ll often move the assets from the jurisdiction where they were received, so that we’re not rubbing people’s noses in it, and to make sure we get the highest possible price.’
Sitting in the front row, 15-year-old Shauna Thomas, from Cardiff, is on the hunt for a Louis Vuitton brown and gold buckle belt worth £415.
Hundreds of bargain hunters gathered at an industrial estate last night at an auction designed to pay back the victims of crime
One auction-goer said: ‘I’m probably after the leopard print Christian Louboutins and the pink Jimmy Choos. Dad’s paying, so I don’t have a budget
‘I’ve always liked designer clothes,’ she says. ‘But there’s not many designer places in Cardiff and Newport where you can get and buy stuff.
‘I’ve been to an auction before, but not for designer clothes. When I saw this, I needed to come. The best advice I was given was by my mum – to not go over what it’s worth.’
Mandy Connors, 18, from Cardiff, is also ready to add to her designer wardrobe.
‘I’m probably after the leopard print Christian Louboutins and the pink Jimmy Choos. Dad’s paying, so I don’t have a budget. But you don’t necessarily need to be all in designer. I’m wearing Primark jeans and a cardigan. You can always dress things up.’
Those looking for a steal were at the auction at Wilsons in Newport (pictured: The sales being noted down as the evening progresses)
Auctioneer Aidan reveals that over £100,000 has been taken at last night’s sale
Bargain hunter Shauna Thomas explained: ‘I’ve been to an auction before, but not for designer clothes. When I saw this, I needed to come’
Picking up a Cartier watch worth over £10,000 for around a quarter of the price – an impressive £2,620 – was 42-year-old Natalie Payne, from Cardiff.
‘We’re here to get some bargains and, really, for the atmosphere,’ mum Natalie says.
‘At the end of the day, it’s nice to have this near Cardiff. I’ve seen a nice pair of Gucci shoes and I had my eye on the Cartier watch. There are bargains to be had.
‘Things go for more in the second hand market, especially if you get a Rolex, you’re not going to lose money. It’s a future investment.’
Customer wait to choose their purchase at the auction in Newport, Wales
Bilal Ali, 28, from Birmingham, has made the near 100-mile trip especially to see the goods in person.
‘I’ve had a look at a couple of lots,’ he says. ‘And I’ve got my eye on a couple of watches. It’s what comes along at the right money – them I’m willing to buy.’
Although this is Bilal’s first auction in Wales, he is no stranger to sales around the country. By the end of the night, it seems the trip was worth it – he’s going home with a load of designer clothes and a watch.
Auctioneer Aidan revealed that over £100,000 has been taken at last night’s sale.