Police reinvest £22,000 into local causes

Devon & Cornwall Police have reinvested £22,000 of money seized from criminal activity back into good causes across Teignbridge, Torbay, and South Hams, offering a boost to local charities, groups, and projects. The funds, allocated through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) fund, aim to support initiatives that make a positive impact in South Devon communities.

Led by Superintendent Hayley Costar, who heads up the POCA panel, the initiative ensures that money seized from criminals -often from individuals who have caused significant harm - is put to good use. Superintendent Costar commented, “It’s fantastic that we are able to use money seized from criminals, often from those who have caused significant harm to our communities, to give back to local people so it can be used for good.”

The funding targets causes that focus on crime prevention, supporting vulnerable individuals, reducing antisocial behaviour (ASB), and providing essential wellbeing support. Among the recipients of the 2024 POCA fund are Totnes Rural Area Youth Engagement Project (TRAYE), which received £500 to help connect socially isolated children up to the age of 17.

A Tavistock youth café was also awarded a £2,370 POCA grant to support at-risk young people.

The Homeless in Teignbridge Foodbank (HITS) was awarded £1,000 to support their work providing food packages for homeless people and those in crisis, while REFUGE4PETS, which helps victims of domestic abuse by fostering their pets, also received £1,000.

Superintendent Costar expressed her satisfaction with the results of the fund: “I’m pleased that we have been able to make such a positive difference to so many worthwhile causes. Thank you to everyone involved in the charities and projects who drive positive change within our communities; your work is so incredibly important. We will continue to support many more causes as we head into 2025.”

The £22,000 allocated this year forms part of a wider £76,000 that Devon & Cornwall Police awarded to community initiatives in 2024. The POCA fund continues to serve as a vital resource for community-focused projects, helping to address local needs and create lasting, positive change.

For further information about applying for POCA funding, individuals or organisations can reach out to their local neighbourhood police team. To find your nearest station, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

This initiative represents a meaningful way of ensuring that money recovered from criminal activity is reinvested back into the communities it was taken from, offering a chance for real change.