Funding given to tackle anti-social behaviour in Cornwall following rise in incidents

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner's office gives funding of £14,380 to local community groups

Author: Jo SymesPublished 29th Nov 2020

Funding to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Cornwall has been provided by the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) following a rise in reported incidents.

A total of £14,380 of funding, raised from the PCC's proceeds of crime, has been donated to the Build Back Better Fund to assist community organisations, working on initiatives, to mitigate anti-social behaviours.

The funding has been made available from the Police (Property) Regulations which is a statutory requirement to deal with money and other property which comes into the possession of the police in connection with criminal charges and handed in by members of the public. All proceeds are distributed for charitable purposes.

“It is vital that residents of our force area are given a helping hand when they want to play a part in improving their communities.

"The Cornwall Community Foundation does exactly that, enabling committed people to make a real difference where they live, and its values align with the vision of creating stronger, more connected and resilient communities as laid out in my Police and Crime Plan.

"I am happy to have played a part in helping the foundation plan for a brighter year ahead after a particularly challenging time and look forward to seeing the projects it funds come to life.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

During the summer in particular, police and communities had to deal with incidents of antisocial behaviour linked to Covid-19 and restrictions.

Anti-social behaviour makes up 33.5% of all incidences reported in Cornwall. The incidence of anti-social behaviour has increased by 9.3% when compared year-on-year in the period of October 2019 - September 2020.

White Gold Cornwall Foundation is just one example of a Cornish charity awarded a grant from the Build Back Better Fund.

The charity works with children and young people to provide mentoring and to help them navigate life’s challenges, supporting those who are vulnerable and at risk with many issues, including:

  • Lack of confidence
  • Self-esteem
  • Challenging behaviour
  • Lack of engagement in education

During lockdown, normal mentoring sessions were not able to continue thus the charity had to find a way to operate remotely yet still providing this crucial support for young people.

“We are very grateful indeed to the Police and Crime Commissioner for this boost to our Build Back Better Fund for anti-social behaviour reduction projects.

"The Commissioner has also provided funding to us previously for road safety improvements and the Crimebeat Fund.

"Since 2013 the Crimebeat Fund has invested £115,000 in local community crime prevention initiatives.”

Tamas Haydu, Chief Executive of Cornwall Community Foundation

For more information or to apply to the Cornwall Build Back Better Fund for a grant for support towards an anti-social behaviour reduction projects, visit the Cornwall Community Foundation website here.

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