COMMUNITY groups in Teignmouth are being urged by a town councillor to apply for a share of £211,000 being made available in Devon by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez.

The cash has come from criminal assets seized by the police and can be used to help projects that address crime prevention, drug and alcohol related antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls.

These could include leisure or creative activities, diversionary programmes for young people and initiatives to install physical security deterrents.

The Commissioner’s latest Community Grant Scheme and the Police Property Act Fund was launched on September 1 with a grant application deadline of midday on October 8.

Cllr Joan Atkins, Teignmouth Town Council’s Councillor Advocate to the Police and Crime Commission, said: ‘I think it’s wonderful that the assets seized from criminals is being made available to community groups and I urge those in Teignmouth to consider making an application.

‘Funding is always a challenge and here is a pot of cash that could really help.

‘Applications have to be made through the Devon Community Foundation, an organisation that is very supportive and will make the process as easy as possible.

‘I do hope we can see Teignmouth benefit from this initiative.’

Ms Hernandez said: ‘It never ceases to amaze me how many fantastic voluntary sector groups we have across the peninsula who all work so hard to improve the lives of those living within our local communities and, as a result, are also helping to reduce crime.

‘This year in particular, I have personally been told first hand on many occasions how devastating the impact of burglary and theft is on victims from homeowners to independent businesses.

‘For many years, tackling burglary and theft has been among my top policing priorities but rather than just punishing offenders, it is vital that we also address the root causes of the problem because that is the only way we will see a reduction in crime rates.’

Visit https://devoncf.com/how-to-give/ for details.