Suffolk is ramping up its fight against fraud with new dedicated officers and a united approach across public services.
The big picture: Suffolk reported 3,370 fraud cases in 2022, resulting in £15.8m in losses. Suffolk Public Sector Leaders (SPSL) have approved funding for two new Fraud Prevent and Protect Officers to combat this growing threat.
Why it matters: Fraud affects individuals and businesses across Suffolk, harming the local economy. These new roles aim to:
Respond to information about people vulnerable to fraud
Deliver educational presentations to community groups
Reduce the number of fraud victims in the county
Between the lines: The initiative brings together Suffolk Constabulary and Suffolk Trading Standards in a partnership approach. They'll share victim data to prevent further fraud, working as part of the Suffolk Anti-Fraud Partnership (SAFP).
The National Trading Standards Scams Team supports this local partnership, aiding fraud victims through education, awareness, and collaboration.
What they're saying:
Councillor Neil MacDonald, SPSL Chair: "The establishment of the Fraud Prevent and Protect Officer posts is a crucial step in our commitment to safeguarding our communities from fraud."
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council Leader: "This initiative demonstrates our proactive approach to tackling fraud in our county."
Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner: "Fraud is an ever-evolving threat, and it requires a robust and dynamic response."
What's next: The new officers will focus on:
Improving support for fraud victims through the National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit
Enhancing cooperation between law enforcement and Trading Standards
Strengthening fraud prevention strategies
By the numbers: Tim Passmore has committed £40,000 from the council tax policing precept to fund a fraud prevention officer. Additional funding from the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Pooled Business Rates Fund will expand this prevention work.
The bottom line: This collaborative effort aims to create a safer environment for Suffolk residents and businesses by preventing fraud and supporting victims.
