Criminals’ cash boosts Dorset’s projects

Six publicly nominated projects in Dorset have secured funding allocated from the ill-gotten gains of criminals.

In all, 269 projects have been chosen nationally.

The funding has been made available through the Government’s recently launched Community Cashback scheme, where ‘Cashback’ from criminals’ seized assets, such as confiscated cash or property, has been earmarked to fund worthwhile community projects.

In Dorset, 32 projects were nominated and 1085 responses were received from members of the public on which projects they would like to see funded.

Some of the projects are:

Crate Stacking Challenge – Butchers Coppice Bournemouth. Crate stacking is a new, fun activity that helps develop group and self co-ordination. With two safe working areas, teams or pairs construct the highest tower of crates possible. It’s a race to see who can climb the highest, quickest and balance without falling off. The person climbing the crates is safely secured both overhead and by a second person belaying. This will benefit youngsters in the area who on an evening especially Friday and Saturday would normally not have anywhere to go.

Enigma Youth Club - Enigma is run for young people with Aspergers Syndrome/Autistic spectrum disorder living in Dorset.  People with this condition may have difficulties with social communication and interaction. They may not have opportunities to socialise outside of school, as attending ‘ordinary’ clubs can be very stressful. Young people from year 7 and above are welcome.

Crime Prevention Demonstration Kits – This scheme is to encourage residents in Dorset to take steps to reduce the opportunities for crime. The scheme will provide a demonstration kit of crime prevention aids, which can be obtained from twenty police stations across Dorset.  This will be used by local Neighbourhood/Home Watch Group Co-ordinators or by Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams to encourage residents to purchase products appropriate to their situations. Each kit will contain window alarm, purse chain, minder purse alarm, portable motion detector alarm, minder padlock alarm (to guard against oil/diesel theft), wireless digital door phone (to identify callers and help prevent distraction burglary), shed alarm and wireless alarm system.

Core Training for New Volunteers – Victim Support relies of volunteers and will spend their award in recruiting and training members of the local community to become Community Service volunteers for Victim Support (Dorset). Research has proven that victims who accept support recover quicker and are more able to return to their normal lives; by using members of the community it increases the feeling of empowerment and helps to generate a stronger community spirit.

The £4 million National Community Cashback fund was announced back in May and the Local Criminal Justice Board in Dorset was able to submit project proposals for funding up to their area maximum of £95,000.  Successful bids needed to show how the local community was involved in suggesting the project, demonstrate good value for money and be related in some way to tackling antisocial or criminal behaviour locally.

Nicholas Jennings Dorset Criminal Justice Board Confidence and Communications Officer said: “The public response to Community Cashback in Dorset has been exceptional and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to either nominate projects or ‘have their say’ on which project they feel would benefit from the funding in our area. 

“It is fantastic that we have been able to respond to the communities’ needs and that the ill-gotten gains of criminals will now be channelled into projects that will make a real positive difference to the local community and the lives of individuals.  

“We hope that Community Cashback has given people the opportunity to have a stronger voice in the Criminal Justice System in Dorset.”  

Home Secretary Alan Johnson added: “It is only right that criminals are made to payback for their crimes. The Community Cashback fund ensures some of their ill-gotten gains are ploughed back into local communities.

“Seizing assets deprives criminals of money, reduces the incentive for crime and promotes fairness and confidence in the criminal justice system. I’m glad so many people have got involved either by putting forward plans to improve their neighbourhoods or voting for their favourite project.”