From crime to community: seized cash funds safety alarms for runners

Running groups across North Devon have been equipped with personal alarm wristbands thanks to funding from Devon & Cornwall Police’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) fund.

1,050 safety wristbands have been provided to women in running groups across North Devon.

The lightweight wristbands feature a built-in personal alarm designed to attract attention in an emergency; offering an additional layer of safety for solo runners.

Funding for the initiative was secured through Devon & Cornwall Police’s POCA fund, which redistributes money seized from criminal activity to support projects that prevent crime and improve community safety.

Chris Burley, Secretary of Ilfracombe Running Club, submitted the application to Devon & Cornwall Police earlier this year after identifying the opportunity to access funding.

“I had previously seen information about wristband alarms and felt they could be a valuable addition for our running community, but securing funding had been a challenge.

“Following a conversation with Ilfracombe-based PCSO Lindsey McDonnell, I was supported to apply for POCA funding and was thrilled that the request was approved by the panel.”

The wristbands were delivered to Ilfracombe running club in June and have since been shared with all registered running clubs across North Devon.

Chris added “The wristbands provide an extra level of reassurance for runners, particularly for those training in quieter areas or during darker hours.

“We’ve received very positive feedback so far, and we hope they will encourage even more people to take part in running activities with confidence.

“We still have a number of wristbands available, which will be issued to new members joining clubs across North Devon. I also plan to attend upcoming parkrun events to share them with runners who may not be part of a registered club.”

The initiative highlights the value of partnership working between police and the community.

Inspector Joey Lester who leads policing teams in South Molton, Lynton, Ilfracombe and Braunton, said “We are really pleased to support this initiative through the Proceeds of Crime Act which takes money from criminal proceedings and re-invests them in projects with real community benefits.

“We know how important it is for people to feel confident accessing outdoor spaces, and this project reflects our ongoing commitment to protect women and girls from violence and promote community safety across North Devon.

“We hope that these wristbands will help to reduce the fear of running alone and would be keen to hear from other local organisations and charities who have ideas about other initiatives that would help to keep people safe.”

People living in Devon and Cornwall are encouraged to speak with local officers and to apply for funding to support initiatives with potential to improve safety or prevent crime.

To learn more about how POCA funding is improving safety in your community, follow your local policing team on Facebook.