Essex Police teams up with local partners to combat fraud

In a bid to respond to reports of fraud more effectively, better support victims and prevent fraud happening in the first place, Essex Police is establishing a multi-agency hub that brings together investigative resource, expertise and intelligence to tackle and combat fraud in the county.

The Multi-Agency Approach to Fraud (MAAF) approach brings together local authorities, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Crimestoppers and local volunteer groups.

The force says fraud accounts for 43 per cent of all reported crime in Essex and in the last year, more than 10,000 adults have been targeted by scammers leading to more than £48 million reported in losses. It estimates that as much as 86 per cent of fraud related crime is not reported.

“We already have a robust plan to tackle fraud. But by working with our partners we can increase our resilience even further. A team approach will ensure a more efficient service for our communities and reduce the number of fraud victims.”

DCI Ashley Howard, Head of the dedicated Economic Crime Unit, Essex Police.

As well as forming a hub to support the MAAF, the new approach will see joined up campaigns and media messaging and improved quality of victim care with peer support for victims of romance fraud continuing. The collaborative approach will also lead to more effective and timely sharing of data between partners that the force says will lead to improved decision making in this area.

To read similar articles, check out our Frontline channel.