South East Police Forces Get Millions to Tackle Violent Crime
Police forces in Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, and Thames Valley are set to receive a hefty cash boost to fight violent crime. Sussex and Hampshire will each get up to £880,000, while Kent and Thames Valley police forces are handed up to £1.16 million each.
Violence Reduction Units Take the Lead
The funding supports Violence Reduction Units (VRUs), which bring together local organisations to battle violent crime and its root causes. These units bankroll crucial projects aimed at stopping children and young people from sliding into serious violence.
This cash injection for 2021/22 marks the third year of funding for 18 VRUs across England and Wales — pumping a national total of £105.5 million into areas hit hardest by serious violence. It’s a major step in the Government’s drive to clamp down on crime.
Local Projects Making a Difference
Take Hampshire, for example. The VRU there has launched a range of initiatives:
- Phone counselling for young people struggling with low self-esteem
- A therapeutic allotment gardening project targeting those at risk of school exclusion
- Early intervention work helping families and youngsters vulnerable to criminal exploitation
Policing Minister Backs the Drive
“We are committed to tackling crime in our communities and stopping young lives being shattered by violence,” said Policing Minister Kit Malthouse.
“Violence Reduction Units in the South East bring together local leaders in health, education, police, and other agencies to tackle the root causes of serious violence.”
“This funding keeps vital long-term projects going to drive down violent crime for good.”
Extra Funds and More Police Officers on the Way
On top of this week’s cash splash, more than £2 million is being funneled into a winter contingency fund. Local charities and social enterprises will receive this money to support vulnerable young people at risk of violence throughout lockdown.
The Government is also recruiting 20,000 extra police officers over the next three years — with 6,620 already on the job — to bolster community safety.
Since 2019, £106.5 million has been pumped into boosting police capacity in the 18 worst-hit areas, separate from the Violence Reduction Units’ funding.
