Groups in Oldham are being invited to apply for money seized from criminals.

Cash taken from criminals is distributed to police forces via the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).

The cash is now being invested into communities across Greater Manchester.

Non-profit organisations which benefit a large number of people can apply for a maximum of £20,000 to fund a year's worth of activities.

The activities must support GMP’s objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime, keep people safe, and care for victims.

Last year, successful applicants included GetAway’N’GetSafe.

The money funded a project which uses sessions delivered via schools to encourage young people from Manchester to turn away from a life of crime and inspire them to take control of their futures and achieve their dreams.

This cash is to support local groups in order to assist in planning community meetings, purchase much-needed equipment for community engagement or to assist in transforming your street, local community projects and any other projects in the community.

This goal is to help bring down crime and anti-social behaviour in the community by working together in order to fight prevent and reduce crime, keep people safe or care for victims.

Superintendent Estelle Mathieson said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the many projects which benefit Greater Manchester’s communities.

“Offenders often commit crimes for their own financial gain so this is an important part of the criminal justice system and ensures we can give back in one way or another.

“We are excited to hear how this money helps fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe, and care for victims.

"Ultimately, making Greater Manchester a better place to live, work and visit.”

Nearly £14 million has been seized from some of Greater Manchester’s most notorious criminals over the past 12 months.

The cash was recovered by officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Economic Crime Unit between March last year and this April.

In total £13.7 million worth of criminal cash was seized, an increase of 26 per cent compared to the year before.

Applicants should apply via https://www.gmp.police.uk/police-forces/greater-manchester-police/areas/greater-manchester-force-content/au/about-us/giving-back-investing-in-our-community/