£250,000 fund for voluntary and community groups will come from money seized from criminals

The Police Property Act Fund has been launched by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Anthony Stansfeld and Chief Constable Francis Habgood.

The fund, which is jointly managed by the duo, comes from money recovered by the police as well as the proceeds from the sale of items that cannot be returned to identified owners, including seizures from criminals.

This year the PCC and chief constable expect to allocate around £250,000, which will be spread over two separate bidding rounds each focusing on a different policing priority.

Applications are now invited from local voluntary and community groups who contribute towards the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan objective of ‘Protecting Vulnerable People’.

A second bidding round will take place later this year.

The closing date for this round of applications is midday on May 8, with applications considered jointly by the PCC and chief constable.

Mr Stansfeld said: “I am delighted to be able to offer the opportunity of funding to those smaller community and voluntary groups that support the police in reducing crime by protecting vulnerable people.

“Protecting Vulnerable People is one of my main objectives in my Police and Crime Plan and I am particularly interested in bids from organisations that help prevent exploitation, female genital mutilation and other forms of abuse, as well as those who help to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our communities, including people with mental health difficulties.

“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.”

Chief Constable Habgood said: “I am delighted to be announcing the launch of the Police Property Act Fund.

“This money will make a great difference to voluntary and community groups who work tirelessly with limited resources to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our region and provide invaluable support to policing services. I look forward to receiving their applications.”

For more information on the application criteria or to apply visit www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/Partnership/Police-Property-Act-Fund.aspx