Crooks' cash to be given to area

Communities in Wyre Forest could benefit from cashback from criminals.

Millions of pounds in seized assets are to be spent on worthwhile projects.

A £4 million Community Cashback fund will be made available for schemes nominated by the public through a website, at neighbourhood policing meetings or through Citizens Panels.

Successful bids will have to show how the community is involved, demonstrate good value for money and be related to tackling anti-social or criminal behaviour.

The Local Criminal Justice Board in each area will be able to submit project proposals for funding up to a maximum of £95,000.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: "The Community Cashback fund will help to make a real difference to people's lives up and down the country – whether it's installing security measures in a block of flats, restoring a vandalised play area or helping launch a youth club."

Vice-chairman of the West Mercia Criminal Justice Board Colin Chapman said: "The criminal justice agencies in West Mercia are working together whenever possible to take money from criminals where it represents their proceeds of crime."

Until now the money recovered has gone to frontline services and government departments.