Charities and community groups that work on projects that improve public safety are being invited to apply for grants from money confiscated from criminals. 

The regulator the Security Industry Authority has opened applications for money that has been taken from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act. 

The amount of funding available is yet to be finalised but last year the organisation gave out grants totalling more than £72,000 to support seven initiatives run by charities including Employment 4 All and Glasgow Street Aid. 

Schemes supported included human trafficking awareness workshops, employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged groups and training for volunteers in emergency first aid.  

In order to be eligible, organisations must be a registered charity or Community Interest Company and be able to demonstrate how their project would support public safety and/or benefit the UK private security industry. 

Paul Cartlidge, chair of the SIA’s grants for good causes panel, said: “Public safety is a team effort, and our commitment to protecting people goes beyond our day-to-day duties. Grassroots projects run by charities and community groups can have a profound impact on public safety, the private security industry and the people using their services.  

“As the regulator of the private security industry, we take robust enforcement action to prosecute those who put the public at risk through their offending. Through the grants for good causes, we are putting the ill-gotten gains of criminals to good use in a way that will benefit society and make the world a little bit safer.”  

Applications close at 11:59pm on 21 February and successful applicants will be notified by 7 March. 

For more information and to apply click here.