Criminal cash to help community groups in Thames Valley

Community and voluntary organisations in the Thames Valley have received a share of more than £100k – from the sale of goods seized from criminals.

The fund is jointly managed by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police.

More than 160 organisations applied to the latest round of the Community Fund, with 25 organisations successful in receiving funding to support one of the PCC’s Police and Criminal Justice Plan priorities.

Among the recipients of the funding was Compton Parish Council, which received £3,713, while Newbury Community Resource Centre was awarded £5,000.

St Mary's Church, in Shaw also received £2,400 and Volunteer Support, at Thames Valley Police was awarded £750.

PCC Matthew Barber said: “I’m delighted to be able to award this funding to community and voluntary organisations, who provide valuable services across the Thames Valley.

“A key part of my Police and Criminal Justice Plan is to enable organisations to collaborate and tackle issues facing our communities.

"These organisations are all working hard in support of my Police and Criminal Justice Plan priorities for the region.”

John Campbell, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, added: “This funding will help a number of projects, which will contribute to the prevention of crime and protection of the vulnerable, in line with the PCC’s priorities.”

Successful recipients have been invited to attend a presentation ceremony on the morning of Thursday, April 21 in Thame, Oxfordshire.