Police chiefs spend criminal’s cash to reduce reoffending

Money seized from criminals will be donated to organisations that help reduce reoffending, say police chiefs.

Today, police and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfield and chief constable Francis Habgood will begin their search for voluntary and community groups to give up to £100,000.

Projects that may be considered include offender rehabilitation programmes and drugs and alcohol services.

However, all applications will be required to submit clear evidence of how their project or activity already contributes towards reducing crime before they make their final decision next year.

Chief Constable, Francis Habgood said: “Today we are launching the Police Property Act Fund.

“The fund will make an important contribution to community and voluntary groups who work tirelessly with limited resources to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our region and who support the Force in reducing crime and disorder.

“This funding will make a great difference and I look forward to receiving their applications”

The fund, which is jointly managed by the PCC and the Chief Constable, is created from money recovered by the police and the proceeds from the sale of items that cannot be returned to identified owners, which includes seizures from criminals.

In April, the PCC and Chief Constable jointly awarded grants amounting to £158,105 to 34 separate organisations, with the objective of Protecting Vulnerable People in order to reduce or help detect crime.

This is the second round of applications for 2015/16 and the PCC and Chief Constable expect to allocate around £100,000 in this round.

The closing date for this round of applications is 5pm on Thursday, December 31.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Anthony Stansfeld said: “I am delighted to be able to offer the opportunity of funding to those smaller community and voluntary groups that support police in reducing crime by reducing reoffending.

“There are many organisations in the Thames Valley whose work helps to make a positive impact on community safety in the area and this fund is a way of recognising their valuable contribution.”

For more information on the application criteria and to apply visit: http://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk