Proceeds of Crime Money Available for Surrey Projects

Published on: 15 Feb, 2013
Updated on: 18 Feb, 2013

Surrey-based projects which help reduce crime or the fear of crime could get a funding boost of up to £5,000 as part of a scheme that sees assets confiscated from criminals and put back in to the community.

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), Surrey Police is able to get back some of the assets seized from criminals. Applications for funding can be made by any Surrey-based organisation, whether from the public, private or voluntary sector. They should be in support of a community initiative that reduces crime, fear of crime, helps combat anti-social behaviour or complements local policing priorities.

The Force’s POCA Panel will consider funding bids from local projects, awarding grants of between £300 and £5,000 to successful organisations. The closing date for applications is Friday, 15 March. The results will be announced in early May.

Detective Inspector Jo Hayes, who leads on the project, said: “The POCA funding scheme is taking the cash out of crime and giving it back to local communities.

“We are looking for applications to fund initiatives affecting community groups of more than 20 people that will make a difference to crime reduction, community safety and/or the community’s fear of crime.

“Applications from projects concerned with tackling anti-social behaviour, drugs and alcohol-related crime and promoting a sense of confidence and satisfaction within the local community are particularly welcome.”

Surrey Police launched ‘Cash for Communities’ back in August 2011. This is now the third round of applications for funding.