Craven groups have less than a week to apply for a slice of cash seized from criminals.

North Yorkshire Police launched its “Why should they?” campaign last month, making £24,000 available to community groups and organisations.

But the deadline is next Wednesday and few Craven groups have applied.

Head of financial investigation Detective Inspector Ian Wills said: “This is a great opportunity for communities to gain from the criminal fraternity’s loss.”

The campaign – developed with the North Yorkshire Local Criminal Justice Board – also encourages the public to report known criminals who have lifestyles funded though theft, drug dealing, shoplifting, fraud and money laundering.

Police have the powers to apply to the courts to confiscate criminal assets such as houses, cash, jewellery and cars. Part of such proceeds will be used to fund community projects.

Organisations such as schools, youth clubs, care homes, sport clubs, churches and community centres are being urged to submit bids for funding.

It can be used for any project which benefits the community, “from repairing the roof on a building to buying new equipment,” said Detective Inspector Wills.

Application forms can be found at northyorkshire.police.uk/whyshouldthey or at police stations.