North Yorkshire Police officers with a vehicle seized under the scheme
Mountain rescuers will be able to communicate better thanks to a cash grant from the proceeds of ill gotten gains.
The Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team received £1,800 from North Yorkshire Police from a fund set up to distribute money seized from convicted criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The cash, part of a handout totalling £24,000, will buy the team new radios.
Community groups and charities were invited to submit bids for their share of the Why Should They? fund. A cheque was handed to the team at its Snainton base by Superintendent Javad Ali. He said: “During my 28 years of policing, I have called upon the team’s services many times and would like to pass on my thanks for their tireless work in saving many lives in what are often dangerous conditions.
“It is always satisfying to see criminals denied the proceeds of their illegal activity, it is even better when it is given back to volunteers who risk their own lives to help others.”
Team member Andrew Priestley said: “We are delighted to receive the grant towards replacing our hand-held radio sets. These are such vital pieces of equipment for the team. It is satisfying to know that money seized from criminals can now be used to support the work of a charity and its volunteer members.”
The Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team is, like most MRTs in England and Wales, funded entirely by grants, donations and the fundraising activities of its members. The team was formed in 1965and covers the North York Moors and surrounding areas. It has responded to 50 incidents this year.
Mr Priestley added: “Hand-held radios are one of the most important pieces of equipment carried by team members. We set about replacing 20 old radio sets with newer Motorola GP360 sets. The grant awarded through North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board’s Why Should They? campaign has enabled us to complete the renewal programme and has made the work performed by the team that little bit safer.”
