EXPENSIVE items seized from criminals including property and watches were auctioned off this evening for more than £500,000.

The auctioned items had once belonged to criminals all over the country, but were seized by law enforcement agencies and auctioned off with the resulting proceeds being paid as compensation to the victims of fraud.

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The auction, which was held at Newport-based Wilsons Auctions, sold more than 70 items.

One of the most expensive items of the evening was a three-bedroomed house in Coulsdon which sold for an eye-watering £312,000.

Other expensive items included a house in Luton which sold for more than £189,000, a Zenith El Chronomaster watch which went for £1,450, and a Cartier Panthere watch which sold for £1,850.

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Aidan Larkin, who is head of asset recovery, welcomed everyone to the auction, saying: "Tonight's auction features many items which will prove very popular. They include 40 luxury watches from highly sought-after brands such as Rolex, Cartier, Chopard, IWC and Omega.

"Prices of all the items on offer range from £15,000 to £325,000.

"We have recently secured a contract with the Metropolitan Police, managing the sale of crime-related property in addition to surplus assets, as well as providing disposal and valuation services for crime recovered, found and other property. Items that feature in this auction will include government repossessions and proceeds of crime related assets."