Police and Crime Commissioner offers £100,000 grant to community groups across West Berkshire and the Thames Valley

A £100,000 grant has been made available to community groups to help prevent crime across the Thames Valley, writes Oscar Flynn-Delargy.

The Community Fund, jointly managed by the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, was launched yesterday (Monday) and aims to provide financing opportunities to both voluntary and community groups.

It will use the money from the sales of stolen items that cannot be returned to their rightful owners.

Chief Constable John Campbell said: “Using money generated from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owners is a great way of funding worthy projects and other work across the Thames Valley.”

Organisations can apply for grants for projects that support one or more of the PCC’s ‘Police and Criminal Justice Plan’ priorities, such as strong local policing, fighting serious organised crime, fighting fraud and cybercrime, improving the criminal justice system and tackling illegal encampments.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said: “I look forward to receiving applications which focus on a range of areas within my Police and Criminal Justice Plan.

“We’re fortunate to have such an active community across Thames Valley that plays a significant role in helping to tackle local issues around crime prevention and supporting vulnerable groups.”

The fund is opened for applications twice a year; the closing date for this round of applications is 12pm on Monday, September 12.

Applications will be considered jointly by the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable.