COMMUNITY groups are being urged to apply for a share of a cash fund designed to prevent and reduce crime across Merseyside.
Merseyside Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy has set aside £150,000 to help charities, community groups and social enterprises stop problems before they occur.
Ms Kennedy said: “Merseyside is fortunate in having a wealth of voluntary and community groups which are working hard to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour and crime and make our region and even better place to live.
“Through the crime prevention fund my aim is to give these organisations a valuable cash boost which will make a difference to communities in Merseyside.”
The commissioner is inviting groups to submit bids between £5,000 and £25,000 for innovative safety projects or schemes that will run during 2016/17.
A total of £150,000 is available with the commissioner last year awarding seven grassroots projects a total of £88,000.
Ms Kennedy added: “The police work extremely hard to prevent crime but they cannot do this job alone.
“I’ve met hundreds of people across Merseyside who are really proud and passionate about the places they live and are committed to keeping them safe.”
“I want to help those groups who have identified an issue which is troubling their community but lack the means to put that solution into place.”
Organisations applying to the scheme must show how their project will tackle objectives set out in the commissioner’s police and crime plan.
These are:
Prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
Provide visible and accessible neighbourhood policing.
Tackle serious and organised crime.
Support victims while maintaining public safety.
Applications must also prove how the initiatives will deter individuals from committing crime, reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system, or lower cases of re-offending.
“I’m looking forward to reviewing all the proposals we receive to see how we can work alongside these organisations to make Merseyside an even safer place to live,” said Ms Kennedy.
Closing date for applications is March 4, at 5pm, with funding being administered by Liverpool CVS and Sefton CVS.
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