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Police give criminal proceeds to help local community groups
5 March 2012
POLICE in Dudley have donated £600 to local community groups which help to improve the lives of elderly residents in Dudley.
Two community groups; a senior citizens woodwork group based at Meadow Road Youth Club in The Priory area, and an over 60s club at Wrens Nest Community centre, were granted the donation from West Midlands Police Proceeds of Crime Act.
Both clubs offer retired and elderly members of the community a retreat where they can meet with friends and socialise. The woodwork group is built up of a small group of individuals that have no previous experience in woodwork, but enjoy the challenge of learning a new skill. The work they complete is of a very high standard and is all made from scrap wood.
The 60s club is a fun place to go where people not only from Castle and priory but also Sedgley, Coseley and Gornal meet for a chat and a game of bingo.
The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) allows officers to recover money and assets gained by offenders through their criminal activity.
Officers can recover criminals'; assets after they have been sentenced at court. If it is proved their assets came from criminal activities, they are given a certain length of time to pay back the money, or face a longer stint in jail while still owing the money.
This money is then invested back into the community, assisting local projects and initiatives.
Police Community Support Officer Omar Sharif said; "I am so happy these community have secured funding from POCA, the group and club really do have a positive impact on the community and without this funding, they would struggle to stay open.
"I visit the groups regularly and offer residents crime prevention advice. This money will assist the over 60s club to continue paying for the hire of the community centre and will enable the organisers to arrange trips away for the elderly."
To find out more about what Dudley Police is doing you can visit the website at www.dudleypolice.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DudleyPolice.
Members from the Senior Citizens Workshop Group, receiving the POCA funding cheque off PCSO Omar Sharif.
