In 2024, police reinvested money seized from criminal activity back into the communities of Teignbridge, Torbay and South Hams to support the work of good causes.

A total of £22,000 was given to various charities, groups and projects from Devon & Cornwall Police’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) fund. Superintendent Hayley Costar, who heads up the POCA panel that awards money to good causes, said: “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 money we award goes to causes that have a positive impact on the lives of people within South Devon. This can be through reducing or preventing crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB), engaging with vulnerable people, children and hard-to-reach communities, or providing wellbeing support to those in need.”

A number of good causes received POCA funding last year: £500 was given to Totnes Rural Area Youth Engagement Project (TRAYE), a community youth group that connects socially isolated children up to the age of 17. Homeless in Teignbridge Foodbank (HITS) received £1,000 to support their work to provide food packages to homeless people and those experiencing a crisis. REFUGE4PETS was awarded £1,000 for their unique animal fostering service, which looks after the much-loved animals of victims of domestic abuse while families are being housed in temporary accommodation.

“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.”

Devon & Cornwall Police awarded £76,000 of POCA funds to local causes in 2024. If you would like more information about POCA funding, please reach out to your local neighbourhood police team. Type in your postcode to find your closest police station and police team: Your area | Devon & Cornwall Police