WEST Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, has awarded £697,000 to more than 100 charities, voluntary groups and other organisations under the Safer Communities Fund this year.

Money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act is fed into a pot exclusively for community safety initiatives.

Since the fund was launched in February, 123 groups have benefited so far.

Mr Burns-Williamson is also taking part in the Home Office consultation on the Proceeds of Crime Act legislation supporting changes that would see greater powers for the police to detain property acquired through crime.