Criminal cash given back to the community to help fight against Coronavirus

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfield and Chief Constable John Campbell have awarded voluntary and community organisations £103,740 in an emergency round of the Police Property Act Fund (PPAF).

The fund is created from money recovered by the police and the proceeds from the sale of items that cannot be returned to identified owners, including seizures from criminals.

In total, 209 people applied in the latest funding round, requesting in excess of £1million.

32 organisations were successful in receiving funding of between £692 and £8000.

Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “Community and voluntary organisations have been playing a vital role in supporting Thames Valley Police with the emergency response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Both the Chief Constable and I were keen to open this emergency funding round to provide vital grant funds to support their efforts.

“We were inundated with applications, seeking a total of more than £1million in funding, and I wish we could have supported more of the excellent bids. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding has for the successful applicants and the public.”

The fund is jointly managed by the PCC and Chief Constable.

There is set to be another round of funding later in the year.

John Campbell, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and I are pleased to announce more than £103,000 has been awarded to 32 voluntary and community groups across the Thames Valley.

"This is the most bids we have ever received for the PPAF and it has been a very difficult task to choose the successful applicants.

“This funding will support projects which have been supporting our response to the outbreak. It is vital that we all work together at a time like this and we hope that the funding will help people across our communities.”

You can see the full list of organisations who have been awarded funds by clicking here.