£100,000 available to community groups to help prevent crime across Thames Valley

Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has today (16/1) opened the first of two application rounds to his Community Fund in 2023

The Community Fund, jointly managed by the PCC and the Chief Constable, helps to prevent crime and keep communities safe. Money for the scheme is created from the proceeds from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owners.

Matthew said: “I’m pleased to announce the first round of this year’s Community Fund is now open for applications. This is a great opportunity to support community and voluntary groups in reducing crime.

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

“I have been fortunate to visit some of the groups we’ve supported in the past, who have benefited from the funding provided to support their communities and help prevent crime across the Thames Valley.

“I look forward to receiving applications which focus on a range of areas within my Police and Criminal Justice Plan including crime prevention, modern crimes such as cybercrime and fraud, and reducing re-offending.”

Organisations from across the Thames Valley can apply for grants for projects that support one or more of the PCC’s ‘Police and Criminal Justice Plan’ priorities: 

·       Strong Local Policing (preventing crime & protecting communities)
·       Fighting Serious Organised Crime (protecting vulnerable people)
·       Fighting Fraud & Cybercrime (fighting modern crimes)
·       Improving the Criminal Justice System (reducing re-offending)
·       Tackling illegal encampments (reducing the impact of encampments)

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.

“This funding will play a big part in helping voluntary and community groups across the Thames Valley. It will allow them to continue to run projects that play such a big role in preventing crime and protecting our communities.

“As ever, we are particularly keen to receive bids for this money from organisations that support our priority areas."

The closing date for this round of applications is 4pm on Monday 6th February and applications will be considered jointly by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Chief Constable.

Further information, including a link to the application form, can be found at: www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/community-fund.