Money raised from the sale of stolen and lost items in Wiltshire will be given as grants to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Wiltshire Police Authority used to distribute the money raised but has asked the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon to take over the task.

The police auction off stolen and lost property when it has been unclaimed for some time and gives the money to good causes. The amount raised is usually about £25,000 a year.

Angus Macpherson, a member of Wiltshire Police Authority and a trustee of the Community Foundation, said: “The foundation has greater expertise than the police authority in grant giving.

“People are always making applications to the foundation for various funds.

“This will give greater public access to the funds and means it is better publicised.

“When the police authority distributed it, it went to people and organisations that we knew about who we thought would benefit.

“We really want good initiatives from groups in the county to tackle local issues relating to crime and antisocial behaviour.

“This fund gives an exceptional opportunity for groups to make a difference in their communities, making them a better place to live for everyone.”

Jon Yates, development director for the Community Foundation, said: “Our business is grant making and it seems a natural fit.”

Applications for funding will need to focus on one or more of the following areas: anti-social behaviour; crime in local neighbourhoods; drug and alcohol-related crime; reducing re-offending; violence against women and girls; and youth crime.

Successful grants will be given up to £3,000 and the deadline for applications is February 16.

For details, visit www.wscf.org.uk or call (01380) 729284.