The cash will be used to dismantle organised crime groups

The money is set to be used in communities plagued by crime and anti-social behaviour.

A team is being set up to seize further cash in the region, as part of a package of measures announced on Thursday by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

The team has been set up under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which has been used by Lancashire Constabulary to confiscate more than �350,000, putting it in the UK's top four forces for seizing criminal assets.

The legislation was also used earlier this week by Greater Manchester Police to recover �70,000 from a suspected drugs dealer.

'Robust approach'

Merseyside Police have also been recognised nationally for their seizures.

Lancashire's assistant chief constable, Julia Hodson, welcomed the initiative.

''The new legislation has allowed us to take a robust approach in the way we investigate the finances of people we believe have been involved in crime," she said. "Our aim is to show that crime doesn't pay.''

The asset recovery team will have three centres across the region, with the aim of speeding up the enforcement of confiscation orders.

The team also aims to dismantle organised crime groups and tackle money laundering.