COMMUNITY groups designed to divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour can bid for their share of £45,000 from Merseyside's Police Commissioner.

These groups are being offered the chance to bid for grants for projects running during the autumn half-term.

Jane Kennedy will release a round of funding from the Police Property Act Fund (PPA) which allows money raised from the sale of unclaimed stolen goods or property recovered by police to be used for good causes.

This is the eighth time the commissioner has invited community organisations, charities and groups which are working to help young people to make the right choices to apply for a vital cash boost of up to £5,000.

£288,000 has already been awarded through the PPA to organisations that are making a difference in their communities and since July 2015, the fund has been used to concentrate on youth engagement initiatives.

Jane said: "I am pleased to once again open up the Police Property Act Fund for bids of up to £5,000 to organisations which are working to make their communities safer and better places to live by engaging with young people.

“Many communities across Merseyside traditionally see a rise in criminal and anti-social behaviour during the autumn half-term, particularly around Bonfire and Mischief Night.

"Historically, it is also a particularly busy time for the police and the fire service.

"Through these grants, I want to help alleviate these issues and prevent local young people from making mistakes they may regret in the future.

“Once a young person gets a criminal record it can blight their future prospects.

"If we can prevent them from making mistakes at a young age we can look forward to their positive contribution to their neighbourhoods.

“I want to see these grants used to support projects that complement the excellent diversionary work carried out by Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, ensuring that young people can enjoy the autumn festivities in a safe and enjoyable way which is properly supervised.”

Last year more than 12,000 young people were able to join organised activities run through 22 different initiatives funded through the PPA over the Halloween period.

Jane added: “Local people know their communities best.

"They know what works when engaging with their young people and I am looking forward to reviewing their ideas and initiatives for ensuring everyone can have a safe and fun Halloween.”

Applications can be made via the Community Foundation for Merseyside website by 5pm on Monday, August 21 http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/police-property-act-fund to apply