£25,000 of crime cash up for grabs (From Gazette & Herald)

£25,000 of crime cash up for grabs as part of annual Why Should They? campaign

8:16am Saturday 22nd September 2012 in News By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

COMMUNITY groups in York and North Yorkshire are once again set to reap the benefits from cash seized from criminals North Yorkshire Police have re-launched the annual Why Should They? campaign with another £25,000 up for grabs.

This is the third year the force has made the money available to local good causes, having seized it from criminals.

Until October 31 this year, non-profit making organisations, charities, volunteer and community groups whose work makes a positive contribution to reducing crime or antisocial behaviour can apply for up to £3,000 from the fund.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) allows the police to take money and assets from criminals such as drug dealers, fraudsters and thieves if they have gained them through criminal activity.

Over the last two financial years, North Yorkshire Police’s Financial Investigation Unit seized more than £2.3m from criminals under POCA. Some of this is returned to North Yorkshire Police and other criminal justice partners, and some of it will help communities through the Why Should They? campaign.

Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: “Over the past two years North Yorkshire Police has donated £49,000 to 28 local good causes and we are very pleased to be able offer another £25,000 this year, especially in these financially strained times.

“Since we launched the campaign in 2010, it has brought us into contact with lots of people who are helping to make life better for local communities.

“From sports clubs to rescue teams, from craft workshops to support for disadvantaged people, it has been a very humbling experience to see all this fantastic work going on and I hope we can help many more this year.”

Detective Inspector Ian Wills, who heads the force’s Financial Investigation Unit, said: “It gives us immense satisfaction to see some of the cash we have taken off the criminal fraternity, go back into our communities, especially when it is helping to improve the quality of life for local people.

“Our aim is to hit criminals where it hurts the most – their pocket.”

For details on how to apply for funding visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/whyshouldthey

Call 01609 789197 for an application form or write to: Why should they?, The Financial Investigation Unit, North Yorkshire Police Headquarters, Newby Wiske Hall, Northallerton, DL7 9HA.