Hitchin charities and community groups can apply for grants of up to £2,500 through a new scheme using money recovered from seized and unclaimed property.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards has launched the Community Cashback Fund to support projects that make communities across the county safer.

Applications opened on Thursday, October 1, with funding available for initiatives aimed at preventing crime, supporting victims and tackling anti-social behaviour.

The scheme draws on the Police Property Act Fund, which contains seized money and proceeds from the sale of seized and unclaimed property that cannot be returned to its owner. Around £125,000 is currently held in the fund.

Mr Ash-Edwards said: "There is something very satisfying about taking money that has come from crime and turning it into something positive for our communities.

"Instead of that money disappearing into a pot, I want to see it put to work in Hertfordshire whether that's helping a youth group keep young people out of trouble, supporting vulnerable residents, preventing crime or helping a community tackle a problem on its doorstep."

The fund is open to a wide range of ideas, including activities giving young people something positive to do, practical neighbourhood crime prevention measures and support for vulnerable residents.

Projects could also focus on helping women and girls feel safer, raising awareness of fraud and cyber crime, or helping local shops and businesses protect themselves from crime.

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Registered charities, Community Interest Companies, social enterprises, constituted community groups and other not-for-profit organisations can apply.

Mr Ash-Edwards added: "Local people often have some of the best ideas about what would make a difference where they live. They don't necessarily need tens of thousands of pounds to make them happen. Sometimes a relatively small amount of money can get a brilliant local idea off the ground.

"That is what Community Cashback is about: taking money from crime and giving it back to communities to do some good.

"So if you are part of a community organisation with an idea that could make people safer, prevent crime or support victims, I want to hear from you."

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner says the application process has been kept straightforward and aims to notify successful applicants within two weeks where possible.

Groups can apply for the Community Cashback Fund here. Further information is available on the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner's website.