CCR Magazine

Lancashire Constabulary has commended Marston Group’s north west Operations Manager, Darren Connor, following his assistance in a high profile confiscation.

The commendation was awarded following Darren’s assistance with the seizure of goods from the defendant’s property. Preston Crown Court had ordered the defendant to pay £150,000 following his conviction for theft. Initially the goods were thought to be of little value, however Darren Connor, based on his 20 years of experience in the enforcement sector was able to advise the police that the goods they had seized were worth selling at auction and arranged for them to be sent to auction to be sold.

Darren and his team documented and valued the seized goods and were able to explain the process to the police officers to enable them to be more effective in the future. The seized goods included signed sports memorabilia and collectors’ items, such as Dunny Dolls and oil paintings. The goods were taken to Charles Taylor Auctioneers in Manchester and the sale realised £72,000.

The letter of commendation from the Chief Constable praised both Darren and Charles Taylor Auctioneers in their efforts to ‘ensure that the whole process of the disposal of the defendant’s assets went smoothly’ and confirmed that ‘it is the first occasion that we (Lancashire police) have witnessed an investigation from start to finish - and to see the process first hand was educational’.

Speaking of the commendation, Darren said: “It is imperative that enforcement agencies and the police work together to combat crime. Both organisations have considerable knowledge and expertise that can and should be shared to benefit protect the majority - who obey the law. The commendation from Lancashire police is highly appreciated and I am delighted the process enabled the police to obtain first hand experience of our work, as well as greater understanding of the enforcement sector.”

(Source - Marston Group Press Release)