Berkshire organisations can apply for grant funding to help prevent crime.

The police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, has opened the second round of this year’s Community Fund.

This means £200,000 of grant funding is available for community and voluntary organisations.

The Community Fund is jointly managed by the PCC and the chief constable, and aims to prevent crime and keep communities safe.

The money for the scheme comes from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owners.

Mr Barber said: "I’m pleased to announce the Community Fund is once again open for applications.

"A total of £200,000 of grant funding is available for community and voluntary groups to apply for, with the aim of reducing crime across the Thames Valley.

"We are fortunate to have an active community across Thames Valley, who play a significant role in supporting Thames Valley Police to tackle local issues around crime prevention and supporting vulnerable groups in our communities."

Organisations from across the Thames Valley can apply for grants for projects that support one of the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan priorities.

These include protecting communities (including anti-social behaviour and road safety), protecting people (including domestic abuse and the night-time economy), and protecting property (including cybercrime, fraud, and retail crime).

Jason Hogg, chief constable for Thames Valley Police, said: "The Community Fund provides a bi-annual opportunity for community and voluntary groups to apply for funding in support of projects which support the key policing priorities in Thames Valley.

"Being able to use this money, which has been generated from the sale of items seized from criminals, to support projects who are working within our communities is a real privilege."

The closing date for this round of applications is 12pm midday on Monday, September 9, 2024, and applications will be considered jointly by the PCC and the chief constable.

Successful applicants will then be invited to attend a presentation event, hosted by the PCC and chief constable, on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Further information, including a link to the application form, can be found at the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner website.