Cash from criminals given to charity to buy children school uniforms
Monday, 31 December, 2012
MONEY seized from criminals has been donated to a charity that helps to buy school uniforms for underprivileged children.
A donation of £1,000 has been made to the Blackpool Children's Clothing Fund charity by Lancashire Constabulary, with the cash coming from a pot of money that has been taken directly from those who have committed crime in the county.
Where the courts believe that money or assets have been amassed through illegal activity, Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) legislation can be used to confiscate, or make a person forfeit, their criminally gained cash and possessions. The subsequent money collected through POCA is then distributed between a number of crime fighting agencies and authorities.
Ultimately the money is ploughed back into local projects that will help to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in Lancashire.
The Blackpool Children's Clothing Fund distributes vouchers to underprivileged families so that parents can then get their children free school uniform and footwear from selected local retailers.
Detective Inspector Andy Ellis, Lancashire Constabulary, said: "We know that low self esteem can lead youngsters to get involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, and fitting in with peers is a key part of building up confidence so that they can avoid taking this route.
"Having a new and correct school uniform, in good condition, is a vital part of this and the work that the Blackpool Children's Clothing Fund does is invaluable. It is important that the money that is taken from criminals, who have inflicted misery on our residents, goes towards projects that will make our neighbourhoods safer and that will essentially benefit a whole community."
