Crime tsar takes new wheels from drug dealer

Mark Burns-Williamson’s office has been given an Audi A4 seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act instead of a taxpayer funded company car.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “Re-using the vehicle saves the office a significant amount of money which would otherwise be incurred through business mileage claims or the commercial hire of vehicles.

“This forms part of ongoing efficiency savings to ensure we continue to cost the public less than the previous police authority.”

The six-year-old Audi is used by other members of staff as well.

West Yorkshire’s senior officers look set to be forced to give up the prestige vehicles that up to now have been part of their remuneration packages.

The force was spending more than £286,000 a year on top-of-the range models for the six members of the command team and its counter-terrorism chief – at an average of more than £40,000 per car.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “The provision of fleet vehicles is currently being reviewed by the chief officer team.”