Kids cricket club in Ivybridge benefits from seized criminal funds

Devon and Cornwall Police in South Devon have used money confiscated from criminals to provide a local cricket club with essential equipment in Ivybridge.

​Located in the Dartmoor National Park, Cornwood Cricket Club was recently awarded over £600 from the police’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to fund equipment for the 5-8 and 8-11 age groups.

The club used the money to purchase vital equipment such as training balls, stumps and warm up equipment. Machinery was also purchased that helps to clear the field of water after a run of bad weather so that children could continue to play cricket.

Inspector Ben Shardlow, who heads up the neighbourhood policing team in South Hams, said: “Money collected in the POCA fund is seized from convicted criminals who have financially benefited from crime. We then reinvest this money back into our community to support local causes who have a positive impact in our area.

“Cornwood Cricket Club offer young people a chance to learn a range of key life and social skills, as well as develop an interest in sport. It’s fantastic that we’re able use this money to support local groups like this.”

A spokesperson for Cornwood Cricket Club said: “Thanks to the POCA funds, we were able to purchase some great new equipment to help support our dynamos and all-stars cricket program that helps children aged 5-11 get in to cricket."

Police teams in South Devon award grants to a range of projects, charities and groups in the area from youth sports kit to kitchen equipment and volunteer training. Recently they funded a new fridge freezer for a foodbank in Totnes.  

In 2023, Devon and Cornwall Police gave nearly £6,700 from the POCA fund to local projects, groups and charities located in South Devon to provide support for their work in local communities and neighbourhoods.

Police in South Devon are pleased to continue furthering their impact in 2024 and funding more worthwhile causes in communities.

For more information about POCA funding, get in touch with your local neighbourhood police team on the Devon and Cornwall Police website: devon-cornwall.police.uk.

Main image: Cornwood Cricket club pictured with the equipment they purchased using POCA funds - credit Cornwood Cricket Club