The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, and the Chief Constable, Francis Habgood, have opened a new grant round of the Police Property Act Fund.

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 we sought applications from local voluntary and community groups who could demonstrate how their project or activity contributes to the PCC’s objective of Protecting Vulnerable People in order to reduce or help detect crime. 173 separate bids were received requesting just over £1.2m. In June, the PCC and Chief Constable jointly awarded grants amounting to £158,105 to 34 separate organisations.

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.

Applications are now invited from local voluntary and community groups who contribute towards the PCC’s objective of ‘Reducing Crime by Reducing Reoffending’.

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.

The closing date for this round of applications is 5pm Thursday 31st December 2015 and applications will be considered jointly by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Chief Constable.

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.”

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”

For more information on the application criteria and to apply visit:

www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk