A VAN seized by trading standards officers has been handed over to a national charity.

The council’s trading standards has handed over the van to the charity His Church. The charity will hold onto the van, which was seized as part of enforcement action by the council, until all proceedings have been completed.

It is not the first time that the council and the charity have worked together. In 2009, the charity was handed a van after was counterfeiter was forced to hand it over after successful Proceeds of Crime action carried out by the council.

The charity has also recycled counterfeit goods that have been seized by trading standards and made them legal before they returned and distributed to Powys-based organisations including drug and alcohol support service Kaleidoscope.

Cllr John Powell, cabinet member for trading standards, said: “In any enforcement situation that we have to deal with wrong-doing, there benefit to the offending person or trader could be very sizable.

“Historically some of the worst and sometimes prolific offenders we prosecute would be happy to pay their fines and bank the rest of their criminal gains. However, the Proceeds of Crime Act allows us to take the full criminal benefit from these criminals, including their assets.

“We’re pleased that we can help needy causes in this way. We have found an organisation that is able to recycle these items and ensure that they are put to good use. It’s pleasing that some good comes out of this important enforcement work.”

Clive Jones, the council’s Professional Lead for Trading Standards, said: “Taking goods off traders is one thing but seizing their vans really puts across the message that we will stop them.

“Financial Investigations assist our investigation efforts and we expect real outcomes against those that have no respect for the law and who often cause immense damage to our legitimate traders. We would encourage residents and businesses to provide information to our service about suspect activities in their communities to stop and prevent these crimes.”