BRADWELL: Police funding helps youth club set sights on more sessions

Hathersage area Safer Neighbourhood Team secured cash claimed through the Act and have donated it to Bradwell Youth Club.

It will be used to cover the running costs of the club and equipment the organisers need to keep local youngsters entertained.

PCSO Anthony Boswell, from the team, said it would help the youth club continue running for the rest of the year.

He said: “The youth club has had a fantastic effect on the local community, giving young people somewhere safe and enjoyable to gather while also helping cut anti-social behaviour.

“The activities they put on are great and have attracted a large number of people, and the money will help them offer even more to local youngsters.

“It’s vital that this kind of activity continues and the cash will enable the group to carry on until at least the end of the year.”

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) means anyone who profits from crime can lose the financial and lifestyle gains they have enjoyed.

Police can apply to the courts to have cash or other ill-gotten assets seized and sold, and use the money generated to pay compensation to victims of crime.

In recent months, cash recovered under the Act has gone to several community groups and organisations across Derbyshire.

These include Jericho Café, in Glossop, which used it to purchase a community computer for its customers. Matlock’s ShopWatch radio scheme also received some cash and has used it to buy new and replacement radio kit.