Commissioner announces new funding

The Crime Prevention Fund will provide £250,000 worth of grants to locally-run organisations and charities between 2014-15 who can demonstrate success in tackling his Police and Crime Plan priorities.

Up to a maximum of £25,000 are available for the right projects.

Commissioner Charles said: “Taking a more preventative approach is not only cost-effective but delivers better results in the long-term. For every offender who is reformed and guided away from criminal behaviour, there are fewer future victims and the money which would have been spent on a police investigation can instead be invested into more holistic services.

“Our partners are working incredibly hard on the ground to provide alternatives for people whose lives have bound by addiction, abuse and offending. ”

One such recipient last year was Rhubarb Farm Community Interest Company in Langwith, which received £5,000 to expand its work with ex-offenders and volunteers recovering from alcohol or drug abuse.

The grant helped fund a new polytunnel to grow crops for the local community at a reduced cost.

The closing date for applications for the first round of funding is 1st May while the second round will run from 10th July-12th September.