LOUIS Vuiton and Prada clothing, Rolex watches, Xbox games consoles and flat-screen TVs are among items set to be sold on eBay by police.

The high-value goods all belonged to criminals – until being seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Now Hertfordshire Constabulary has launched its own store on the online auction site to ensure crooks do not benefit from crime, and to help recover compensation for their victims.

The force is one of the first in the country to launch an eBay shop.

Financial investigation manager Simon Hill said: “eBay is another powerful tool to help us sell seized items and so make sure crime does not pay for criminals.

“Criminals will often buy expensive items with the money they have made from drugs, burglary or similar.

“But, if we can seize these high value items and sell them on, we can still hit them in the pocket.”

Some 15 items have been sold already since the site’s launch, including golf clubs, designer clothes and accessories, and jewellery.

And many more high-value lots will be going under the virtual hammer in the coming weeks and months.

Mr Hill added: “I would like to encourage the public to help us hang criminals out to dry by buying items from our site.

“The goods are all authentic, as described and you could be helping us ensure crime does not pay, as well as helping victims receive the compensation they deserve.

“Also, if you know of someone who is benefitting financially from crime in Hertfordshire, I would like to encourage you to report it to us.”

The Proceeds of Crime Act gives police powers to gain confiscation orders through the courts against criminals who have benefitted financially from their offences.

Police will then seize goods or money from them to fulfil the sums of money in the orders.

Cash generated from the sale of assets is used for compensation to victims, as well as helping to fund other crime-fighting initiatives.