A community-led initiative in North Devon has put 1,050 personal safety wristbands into the hands of women runners — funded entirely through money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The lightweight wristbands feature a built-in alarm designed to attract attention in an emergency. Funding was secured through Devon & Cornwall Police’s POCA fund, which redistributes assets seized from criminal proceedings into projects that prevent crime and improve community safety. The application was submitted by Chris Burley, Secretary of Ilfracombe Running Club, following a conversation with a local PCSO who helped him identify the funding route.
The wristbands have since been distributed to all registered running clubs across North Devon, with remaining stock being shared at local parkrun events to reach runners outside club membership.
There are two things worth noting here. The first is the funding mechanism itself — POCA funding as a route to resourcing small, practical community safety initiatives is underused, and this is a good example of what’s possible when a community member is supported to navigate the application process. The second is the context: this sits alongside a broader national conversation about women’s safety in public spaces and outdoors. Devon & Cornwall Police have been explicit that the project reflects their commitment to reducing violence against women and girls, not just reassuring existing runners.
Source: From crime to community: seized cash funds safety alarms for runners — Devon & Cornwall Police
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