CHARITIES and community groups could soon benefit from cash seized under a pioneering Essex Police scheme to redistribute illgotten gains to good causes.

The force is joining with the Essex Community Foundation, to make sure money raked in from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act is spent on projects which reduce crime.

An initial £75,000 pot will be available over the next 12 months under the scheme, the first of its kind in the country.

Proceeds of crime hearings are increasingly being held at Crown Courts, as police seek to make sure crimes, such as drug dealing and fraud do not pay.

Money seized is usually handed to the police to invest in its own operations.

However, Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh thinks it is important some of it should go to to organisations who steer people away from crime.

He said: “It’s something I’ve wanted to see for a long time and it demonstrates the commitment of Essex Police to giving support to people and local charities.

“We’re a bit like Robin Hood – taking from the greedy and giving to the needy.

“Yes, the force will lose money, which could have been invested in police resources, so this is a brave decision for us.

“However, I see it as vitally important for us, a force, to invest in early intervention schemes which divert people away from criminality – something I feel is even more important at times of austerity.”

This year, the force got back about £250,000 from proceeds of crime hearings.

The initial £75,000 invested will be reviewed by the police each year.

The fund will be overseen by the Essex Community Foundation.

It will also decide which charities will get the money.

For every pound put in by the force, the foundation has promised to add £2 – raised by the foundation from donations from businesses and other organisations.

Foundation chief executive Bob Reitemeier said: “We are pleased to be working with Essex Police, who are to be congratulated for coming up with a completely fresh way of converting the proceeds of crime into something positive. We believe this scheme deserves a widespread welcome and will inspire and increase charitable giving across the county.”

For information about the scheme, call the foundation’s office, on 01245 355947 or visit