West Midlands Police auction: Bargain hunters cop good deals as recovered goods go under the hammer

These are the words of auctioneer Peter Worthington as a unique recovered police goods auction got underway at Aston's in Dudley.

Hundreds gathered to bid on around 400 items previously stolen or disowned, ranging from bikes, watches, power tools and Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors bags.

David Redman, aged 50, a former newspaper editor, had travelled from Westward Ho! in Devon to take his chances with the bags.

He said: "It is the first time I have come here and the designer handbags really caught my eye.

"I would like to buy them to sell on but I think my daughter would have something to say about that.

"You can pick up some bargains in auctions but you have to be careful not to get too carried away with the atmosphere, as it can really get a hold on you."

Mr Redman lost out on the bags to internet bidders with the Louis Vuitton going for £547 and the Michael Kors for £230.

Hundreds of internet bidders also waded into the action at Baylies Hall, in Tower Street, with the majority of the first 50 lots being sold to those sitting behind computer screens across the country.

A bike carry case and magazine rack went for £10. A selection of mid-range handbags sold for £20, a bag of assorted clothing went for £25 and a quantity of scrap lead caused a stir in the room – eventually being sold for £270.

A Boss watch sold for £110, a Ralph Lauren handbag went for £180 and five bottles of Glenfiddich sold for £90.

It wasn't just fashion either, as a signed, framed photo of Holywood actress Halle Berry went for £15.

A buyer of six bikes, who did not wish to be named, said: "They were just what I was after, I may sell a couple on and give one to my nephew too. I didn't want to stay too long as I knew I would end up splurging."

Andrew Gilling, catalogue assistant at the Aston's, said: "Viewing started at 9am and people were allowed to look at one lot at a time.

"We kept the very expensive items behind glass but we had quite a substantial amount of people come along to view the bags and watches.

"We have three to four auctions like this that take place a year and they always attract a lot of interest.

"You find that you have people come from all over the country too, so as the gentleman from Devon. They know when they see a bargain."

Throughout the auction, Mr Worthington egged on potential bidders telling them to exercise their arms and not be afraid to keep on waving to express their interest.

Chris Aston, director, said: "The top lots of the day were the lathes that went for £900 and the Ford Focus that sold for £650.

"They were actually from a Dudley Council house clearance where a guy had passed away and didn't have any relatives, so they went up for general auction with us.

"It was a fantastic day with a brilliant turn out and atmosphere."

The auction also featured toiletries including hampers of Body Shop goods and L'Oreal face cream, which sold for more than £60.

Imperial champagne, cigarettes and clothing were also featured.

Every year, thousands of items are seized by police as they investigate offences such as burglary, theft and fraud. Despite extensive enquires, officers are sometimes unable to identify the property's rightful owners. In these circumstances, police forces can sell the items and plough the money raised back into community initiatives.

Aston's are the officially appointed auctioneers and valuers for the West Midlands Police Authority. Goods sent to auction include crime recovered items, unclaimed lost property and items seized under the Proceeds Of Crime Act.

In March, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said money raised from such auctions would be injected into communities through a new Active Citizens Fund.

Mr Jamieson said he hoped nearly £1 million would be spent after money was generated by assets seized from criminals.

The auction took place on September 8.