Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has welcomed the launch of a major new initiative ‘Operation Payback’ launched by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness.

A £350,000 pot of money recovered from criminals in the North East is going to be put back where it belongs – into the grass roots of local communities.

Local projects and community groups that strive to make their community a better place are encouraged to get their applications in to stand a chance of receiving a cash boost to help make a difference to local lives.

Alan Campbell MP said “This is an important initiative which seeks to use money seized from criminals to repair the harm caused to communities by crime.  I would urge local groups in Tynemouth Constituency to see whether they can bid for funds.”

In the years to come the fund will be topped up with some of the money seized from criminal activity under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA), with some recovered funds also going to Northumbria Police to help them target more criminals.

Applications are welcome from community, charity, social enterprise or voluntary groups from within the Northumbria Police force area and must aim to combat the impact of crime, reduce crime and provide diversionary activities. Projects must cost between £5,000 and £25,000 and must have the ability to spend before March 2022. For more information, full criteria and terms and conditions please visit the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s website; http://www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk/