LUXURY cars, diamond studded jewellery, designer clothes.

These are the trappings of wealth that criminals had hoped to enjoy after amassing thousands of pounds on the backs of law-abiding families.

But now the money is being reinvested back into the community to fund crimefighting projects, including youth projects, CCTV systems, and a car crushing event.

Police in Birmingham East command unit have been given a pot of cash that has come from the sale of assets seized from criminals.

And they have decided to open up the polls to let the public decide how the money should be spent.

A total of 12 projects, three in each constituency and three which will cover the whole policing unit area, are going head-to-head in the vote.

Thousands of votes have been received so far, and officers are hoping that even more people with have their say before the polls close.

Supt Alex Murray said: “All of the projects will benefit the community, providing youth services, tackling anti-social behaviour and helping provide a safer environment for residents and businesses.

“This is a unique opportunity for people in east Birmingham, and I hope everybody takes the opportunity to influence how we spend this money in their community.”

To take part in the vote log on to the Birmingham East section of the West Midlands Police website. The closing date in Sunday January 15.

The 12 projects are:

* The Pod youth centre, Bordesley Green, will transform an isolated and desolate piece of land that has been the target for antio-social behaviour into a youth centre, offering sports coaches and support workers to help people find work and develop skills.

* Saltley Methodist Church, Washwood Heath, wants to extend its mother and toddlers group to offer vulnerable women a place to receive free help and support.