Crime doesn't pay, but through the Criminal Property Forfeiture (CPF) Fund, cash and proceeds from the sale of forfeited property help promote safer communities.

The Manitoba government invested more than $85,000 in three Southern Manitoba communities and the surrounding region for safety and crime prevention programs, announced by Justice Minister Cliff Cullen.

"I'm pleased to announce this investment through the criminal property forfeiture program, which takes money from unlawful activity and puts it to good use," said Cullen. "The funding I'm announcing today will enhance public safety by providing new investigative tools for law enforcement and supporting the purchase of a new safety device for an aquatic rescue team based out of Morris that has been assisting. Manitoba communities and families for over ten years."

$44,000 will be going to the Morden Police Service to update its in-car computers and add licence plate readers.

"We've been the benefactor of many funding grants through the CPF program, and we feel this is a brilliant program that helps keep us up to date on programs and the equipment we need," said Morden Police Chief Brad Neduzak.

The mobile in-car terminals will allow officers to spend more time on the streets. Neduzak says officers can access data records, a person's information right from the vehicles at a crime scene. He says this can be critical information needed to improve convenience and safety, where they can be informed before they deal with a situation or individual.

Also, the Altona Police Service scored more than $9,000 to replace its existing radar speed measuring devices.

According to Police Chief Perry Batchelor, the current units in all three of the agency's emergency vehicles are over 15 years old, who notes the new devices will provide more accurate readings while ensuring road safety in the region. The new units will also come with fewer maintenance costs.

"It's absolutely fantastic," said Batchelor, adding the Altona Police Service, which polices the communities of Altona and Plum Coulee, has benefited from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund (CPFF) since its inception in 2011. In total, nearly $100,000 in police equipment has been purchased for the agency over the years.

"And I'm saying this is necessary equipment. This is not extravagant equipment. This is in-car computers, in-car cameras, active shooter kits, those pieces of equipment that we need to do our jobs, and if we didn't get these grants, that money would have to come from the tax-base."

Meantime, Thursday's presentation served as an opportunity for Minister Cullen to see the results of previous funding doled out under the Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund (FPOC), also maintained by the Province of Manitoba.

In March, Cullen announced $25,000 towards purchasing a new van for the local Youth for Christ group, The Station.

Read more: Province Invests In Altona Youth Outreach Program

Recently, The Station's Sheridan Sawatzky and Marty Falk took possession of the long-awaited vehicle and brought the new unit to Thursday's presentation.

More than $34,000 was invested in the Morris-based Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART) to support the purchase of a Marine Sonic Side Scan Sonar. The sonar will enable the team to quickly locate victims in waterways, locate submerged vehicles, and forensic evidence such as weapons while increasing the safety of divers.

Minister Cullen and Altona Police Chief Perry Batchelor.