It’s true enough that crime itself never pays, but sometimes it can at least pay back the community it affects.

Such was the case last week when Treviglas Community College received a generous donation as part of a new municipal initiative.

Profits from unclaimed criminal property were donated to the college by the Devon and Cornwall Police Constabulary. The £500 donation is part of a new cash back scheme intended to take profits from criminal activities and give them back to the local community.

The financial gift to Treviglas will be used to support students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and other adventure programmes. Specifically, the money will be used towards purchasing new rucksacks and other equipment for use by students who wish to take part in DofE, Ten Tors Challenge and the Adventure Service Challenge.

Many students who wish to participate in these activities, which are highly regarded by employers and university admission departments, cannot afford the necessary equipment to take part. Treviglas Extended Services Manager Clare Thompson said the recent donation will hopefully allow more students to get involved with these career-building activities.

"These programmes are very strong within the college," Ms. Thompson said. "We want anyone who is interested to have the opportunity to take part and have an equal chance at success regardless of their financial background."

There are currently 58 Treviglas students taking part in DofE, with 150 participants registered throughout the whole college. These students will collectively give 3,000 hours of community service, working with local schools, charities and non-profit organisations, with many putting in even more additional hours beyond what is asked.

“We’re very pleased and appreciative of this donation,” Ms. Thompson said. “We look forward to using it toward assisting our students.”

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award, visit www.dofe.org.

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