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Greater Manchester Police reinvesting seized criminal money back into local communities

A common sense initiative that will hugely benefit areas across the Greater Manchester.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 28th September 2022

Greater Manchester Police have announced that they will be reinvesting more than significant amounts of money seized from criminals back into local communities across the region.

Issuing a press release on Monday, 26 September, GMP confirmed that funds secured through shutting down illegal activity will be redistributed via the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).

As explained in the statement, non-profits in the Greater Manchester that can benefit large numbers of people in local areas can once again apply for as much as £20,000 to fund 12 months’ worth of community activities.

Last year the scheme helped dozens of organisations make a direct impact on the local community.

Last year, successful applicants included GetAway’N’GetSafe, which used the money to fund a project which uses sessions delivered directly in schools to encourage young people from Manchester to turn away from a life of crime and inspire them to take control of their futures and achieve their dreams.

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Sadly, for all its charm, Manchester currently sits as the second ‘most dangerous’ city for burglaries and while we look after each other around here, some crime is always going to be inevitable. That’s why initiatives like this are so important.

To be eligible, the activities “must support GMP’s objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims.”

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GMP Superintendent and Head of the Economic Crime and Cyber Unit, Estelle Mathieson, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the many projects which benefit Greater Manchester’s communities.

“Offenders often commit crimes for their own financial gain so this is an important part of the criminal justice system and ensures we can give back in one way or another.”

Mathieson and her specialist Greater Manchester Police task force helped recover over £360,000 of stolen money after shutting down a fraudulent social media company back in June 2021.

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She went on to state how excited local authorities are to see “how this money helps fight, prevent and reduce crime… Ultimately, making Greater Manchester a better place to live, work and visit.”

Applicants should apply via Giving back: Investing in our community | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)