CASH seized from criminals is once again being offered to groups across the region.

Grants of up to £6,000 are available in the latest round of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Communities Fund.

A total pot of £140,000 is up for grabs, comprising Proceeds of Crime Act money secured by police and prosecutors.

The police and crime commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, said: “In these truly unprecedented times, we want to do all we can to help those most in need.

“I would welcome a broad range of project applications across all of the priority areas set out in my police and crime plan. However, I am particularly looking for initiatives that support the more vulnerable – such as younger people or the elderly, women and girls, those with disabilities or victims harmed by crime. Early intervention and prevention projects and those offering therapy or support are also very welcome.

“Crucially, projects must be in a position to get to work helping people right away. That means being able to operate within the current climate of Covid restrictions and in a secure way.

“I really need everyone’s help in promoting this fund so that it can reach the areas where it will make the most difference – so please, if you know of a group this could help, let them know.

“I’m very pleased to be able to continue to offer this much-needed funding and support during such unique and challenging times, which is also a great testament to the ongoing work of West Yorkshire Police and prosecutors in securing Proceeds of Crime resources.

“It was a key commitment of mine on being elected police and crime commissioner in 2012 to ensure Proceeds of Crime money found its way back into our communities affected by such criminal activity in the first place – and it has never been more needed than at the moment during the pandemic.”

The latest round of grants is the 20th since the Safer Communities Fund was set-up in 2014.

Since its launch, a total of £3.6 million has now been given away.

In the last round, over £180,000 was shared between 36 projects across West Yorkshire.

Beneficiaries included Keighley Pride – which was awarded £6,000 to help with the cost of staging an event at Cliffe Castle this summer – and Wilsden Village Hall, which received £1,078 for a new CCTV system.

The Safer Communities Fund closes for applications at noon on Friday, February 12.

For further information and to apply, visit westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-communities-fund/how-apply.

A virtual celebration event, looking back at fund achievements and making awards under the latest round, will be held on March 22. All current and past recipients will be invited.