CRIMINAL cash seized by police will now be put to good use in Bolton.

Sgt Shelly Alexander, who works in the adult safeguarding unit at Bolton Police Station secured £5,000 from the asset recovery incentivisation scheme (ARIS), which ploughs cash made by the offenders back into the community.

She has handed the money to Bolton-based charity, Endeavour.

The money, which has been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), will support Endeavour’s valuable work with victims of domestic abuse, as well as providing them with personal safety alarms, hanging door intruder alarms and pocket-sized safety cards.

Endeavour offers a wide range of services including community-based support, group work and counselling for those affected by domestic abuse. All their projects are accessible to anyone affected by this type of crime, and they encourage male and LGBTQI+ victims and survivors to access their support.

They were the first domestic abuse charity in the UK to offer an in-house pet fostering service, enabling those with pets to flee an abusive household without surrendering or leaving their animals.

Sergeant Alexander said: “The work that Endeavour does to support victims of domestic abuse is truly outstanding and I’m delighted to have been able to secure them funding to support the valuable work they are doing.

“We work very closely with Endeavour and are extremely grateful for the work they do to support victims of domestic abuse. This money will make a huge difference to the lives of victims, ensuring they have a safe place to access help and support at a time they need it the most.”

Jill Caldwell, Chief Executive of Endeavour, said: “Endeavour are very grateful for this generous grant in support our ‘Personal Safety in the Community’ initiative. As a Bolton community-based charity, we work directly with individuals, support groups and statutory agencies with clients from 16 to 92 and every age in between.

“This grant will support our workshops and safety work with older adults enabling us to provide essential items to help people feel safer in the community and in their homes.”

Anybody who wishes to self-refer to Endeavour can call 01204 394 842, email info@endeavourproject.org.uk or via Facebook messenger service @EndeavourDAV which is monitored 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.