Tayside criminals have been chased for more than £122,000 of their ill-gotten gains.
Figures obtained by the Tele show that the authorities have successfully taken £122,994 away from those who have committed crimes including drug offences and benefits fraud.
The cash relates to court actions raised over the last two years in Dundee and Perth.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said it couldn’t reveal the specific cases involved but all of them related to drug or benefits offences.
A spokesman said that criminals could be brought back to court if they didn’t cough up the cash as ordered.
He said: “By its very nature, a confiscation order is a financial penalty, which may take some time to recover in full.
“The period within which financial penalties should be paid is a matter for the judiciary.
“If an offender defaults in the payment of a confiscation order he or she will be called back before the court for further consideration of the payment terms and, in some instances, the court may appoint an administrator to pursue the recovery of assets.
“Cash sums paid to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service are handed over to the Scottish Government for the Scottish Consolidated Fund.”
The money seized is pumped into the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities scheme, which invests in activities and programmes for young folk across the country.
The Shore, a venue for 10 to 18-year-olds in Dundee, received around £1,300 in 2014.
Manager Sturrock Ritchie said: “This cash enabled us to hire more staff and work with young people who might otherwise be on the streets.
“They are able to gain accreditation on various courses, with many joining bands or taking up hobbies, such as photography, DJing and media.
“We are now able to put on hugely popular sessions every Friday night.”
Art Angel received £2,600 to facilitate an art and digital media group for young people with mental health difficulties.
Manager Rosie Summerton said: “We were able to offer young people a chance to train with camera and recording equipment and use film and media to have their voices heard.
“Several have gone on to college to study film.”