ROLEX watches, gold chains and a Galliano blazer are among 80 items stripped from West Midlands criminals that will go under the hammer in Dudley next week.

The gaudy goods seized by West Midlands Police will be auctioned off on Tuesday (February 21) at Aston's Auctioneers, based at Baylies Hall in Tower Street.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has welcomed the sale, saying "this shows that crime doesn’t pay".

The ill-gotten gains up for auction are a mixture of court seizures and Proceeds of Crime Act and Police Property Act items.

Cash raised from the sales will go into the PCC’s £1 million Active Citizens Fund, which supports good causes around the region.

Mr Jamieson continued: “These tainted trinkets are the result of people’s suffering: criminals preyed on victims to earn their dirty money.

“This auctions sends a strong message that crime doesn’t pay and justice catches up with criminals in the end.

“It is great to see that ill-gotten gains helping community projects across the West Midlands.

"The money raised from these auctions will make a difference to active citizens across the region.”

Chris Aston of Aston’s Auctioneers added: "These West Midlands Police auctions are the most exciting auctions we hold - with the biggest variety of items on offer - and they certainly make a change from the traditional antique auctions like people are used to seeing on TV.

"The best part for both ourselves and the bidders is the fact that all of the items are sold 'without reserve' so items start off very low, attracting plenty of bids and ultimately selling to the highest bidder with a 100 per cent sale rate - the very definition of the word auction."