DOZENS of charities have been supported thanks to sales of criminal property and goods.

Sussex Police hosts auctions on Ebay to sell items which have been handed in but not claimed, and goods seized from those who have stolen them.

The force has handed over more than £60,000 to 79 charities through the sale of the items to support them through the lockdown.

One scheme to benefit has been Brighton’s Volunteering Matters, which has helped the elderly with shopping and entertainment with sing-along sessions. The volunteers were granted a £1,000 boost. The force has also donated £1,000 to the Whitehawk Food Bank, St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne, Sussex Homeless Support, and £5,000 to FareShare.

St Peters Church in Brighton was granted £2,000 from the force, while £1,500 was given to the Matthew 25 Mission supporting vulnerable adults in Eastbourne.

Inspector Adele Tucknott said: “We are delighted to be able to give out these grants to help these kind-hearted volunteers.

“There are so many wonderful charities and groups in Sussex that have gone the extra mile to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.”