Criminals cash to help young people

The link-up between South Yorkshire Police and the South Yorkshire Community Foundation means that money confiscated through the Proceeds of Crime Act will go towards supporting community projects in Rotherham.

The fund will be used specifically for groups providing activities for young people in areas of higher crime and deprivation as well as projects reducing anti-social behaviour and activities promoting confidence in the police.

Med Hughes, Chief Constable of South Yorkshire, said: “Through this new fund we are able to use POCA legislation to ensure that no-one benefits from being involved in criminal activities.

“The Police and South Yorkshire Community Foundation will use any monies or assets that are recovered in this way to benefit communities throughout the area.

“Crime is at its lowest for 19 years and we are confident that the Proceeds of Crime Act will help this positive trend to continue.”

Mr Hughes added: “There are 376 police officers and 91 members of support staff in Rotherham all working together to keep crime at a minimum across the borough.

“We are well aware of the fantastic links that SYCF has throughout local communities in Rotherham and are confident that through this partnership, valuable funding will get to those that need it most.”