THE ILL-GOTTEN gains of criminals seized by Devon and Cornwall Police have filled up a funding pot to a healthy £25,000 — and community groups across West Devon are being invited to apply for their share of the loot.

Grant applications from community and voluntary groups across the borough are now invited for a share of thousands of pounds recovered under the Police Property Act.

Through a new scheme Police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez will distribute the proceeds of police selling items which have come into their possession and cannot be returned to owners, including items from criminals. Property from criminals is seized by the courts with the intention of compensating communities which are affected by crime.

In this round, the money will be directed towards community projects which specifically tackle anti-social behaviour and which will help communities recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

‘As we come out of Covid-related restrictions I am hearing community concerns about ASB and how it affects people’s day-to-day lives,’ said Commissioner Hernandez.

‘While for some people this may not be a big concern, for many it affects their quality of life each and every day and I want everyone to feel safe in the areas where they live, work and play. This scheme will help smaller communities get initiatives and schemes off the ground that will tackle the ASB problems they are experiencing.

‘The best solutions are locally led. The focus of the fund is on those incidents of ASB which link closely to community safety and crime.’

Applications are now invited from groups to support projects which will help communities recover from the coronavirus pandemic and have a specific focus on anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 are available.

Applications must come from charitable organisations — organisations such as schools and parish or town councils are only able to apply if they have a charitable arm.

Applications are now being invited for consideration and will be accepted up until 12 noon on Monday, September 13.

The scheme is being administered by the Devon Community Foundation.

Applicants will find all they need to put together a bid for the money at https://devoncf.com/grants/opcc-property-act-grants/

If you are unable to access the guidance and application form online, please contact Devon Community Foundation on 01884 235887 to discuss alternative options.

This scheme is in addition to the OPCC’s Community Grants Scheme for those seeking short-term funding for projects and initiatives that aim to prevent and deter crime.