St Ives Gig Club Receives £500 From Police Using Seized Criminal Funds

St Ives gig club benefits from police funding boost

Money seized from criminals is being put to good use in West Cornwall, as the St Ives Pilot Gig Club has received £500 from local police to help fund new seating for one of its boats.

The money, which came from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) fund, was awarded by the neighbourhood policing team in St Ives. It funded new seats for Fortitude, a 32-foot-long racing gig used by the club.

Criminal cash put back into the community

Police Community Support Officer Terry Webb said:

“It’s fantastic that we can use money earned through criminal activity for good, putting the money back into our community to support local people.

“This club has been at the heart of the community for 35 years, welcoming hundreds of people onboard to keep fit and learn new skills out on the sea.

“I’m pleased we were able to make a difference by helping to get the boat safely back in the water.”

The Fortitude, now with brand new seating, was back in action during the recent World Pilot Gig Championships held on the Isles of Scilly in early May.

Supporting a small club with a big heart

Pete Preston, Chairman of the St Ives Pilot Gig Club, said:

“As a small club with a big heart, we are open to all our local community. The funding of this much-needed equipment enables us to redirect our limited club funds towards ongoing required maintenance of our gigs, helping to ensure the future of the club in the town.

“We are extremely thankful to PCSO Webb for helping us get these funds for a new set of seats for Fortitude.”

Police continue to reinvest seized funds

The POCA fund allows police to support local groups, charities and projects using money taken from convicted criminals. Police in Cornwall continue to use these funds to support a range of community efforts.

For more information about POCA funding, visit: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/area/your-area/