Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announces $450,000 for police agencies across Manitoba during a news conference in Brandon on Monday, December 17, 2019. (@MIN_CLIFFCULLEN / TWITTER)
Police agencies across Manitoba are receiving a combined $450,000 from the province through the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
Provincial leaders were in Brandon Monday to make the announcement at the Brandon Police Service headquarters. Two projects in the Wheat City will receive $65,000 to combat bicycle thefts and reduce recidivism.
“We are pleased to support these programs, which look for tangible ways to deter crime and prevent theft without putting a strain on police resources,” said Justice Minister Cliff Cullen.
“Our commitment to crime reduction will strengthen support for new and existing projects that involve meaningful community engagement.”
Brandon’s bicycle theft program will include creating an online bicycle registry through Project 529 Garage — a bike registry app to help improve the chances of returning stolen bikes to their owners — improving bicycle parking in high-traffic areas and building partnerships within the city to discuss bicycle theft prevention.
The other portion of the funding will help offenders released from the Brandon Correctional Centre find a job and develop marketable skills to turn their lives around.
The pilot project will target 10 individuals seeking to reintegrate into the Brandon community within a year and it will rely on community partners to ensure its success.
Other police agencies receiving funding for projects include Winnipeg, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, God’s Lake Narrows, Thompson, Norway House, Rivers, and Winkler.
