Police have recovered thousands of pounds of illegal assets

The Asset Recovery Agency - created in 2002 - works closely with police forces to snatch profits made as a result of criminal activities.

The money will be reinvested in the region's police forces to help fund further crime-fighting initiatives.

A conference is being held on Monday in Newcastle to discuss how the proceeds can be used to cut crime locally.

The agency uses special powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize cash and assets from convicted criminals.

Much of the money has come from drugs crime with both cash and property being seized in the North East from dealers and producers.

The conference at St James's Park, in Newcastle, on Monday is designed to give police, customs officials and the criminal prosecution service information on how they can benefit from its work.