By Rob O’Brien

They say that crime doesn’t pay, but under a new scheme in the UK, more than 40 communities are likely to improve their neighbourhoods through the seized assets of criminals.

The Community Cashback system, operated through the Criminal Justice System, will allow citizens in England and Wales to have a say in how £4 million ($8.2 million) of recovered criminal assets should be spent in their communities.

A website has been set up to get feedback from communities. Under the scheme, 42 Local Criminal Justice Boards will be invited to bid for up to £95,000 ($194,000) each.

People can use a website to suggest projects in their area they want to see money spent on or to support projects put forward by others.

Previously, cash retrieved from criminal activities in the UK was re-invested back into the police force.

The scheme does have strict guidelines. Residents are advised that projects should be related to nuisance, anti-social or criminal behaviour or its impact on the community; can focus on one or several neighbourhoods; should be community focused and make a noticeable difference on the community; and, must demonstrate value for money, be able to be delivered quickly and their impact should be clearly evaluated.

The Community Cashback consultation will close at the end of July.

To visit the Community Cashback website, click here