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# New officers to combat Suffolk's £15.8m fraud problem
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/new-officers-to-combat-suffolks-16m-fraud-problem/
- Published: 2024-08-07T08:53:41.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:38:18.000Z
- Description: Suffolk is ramping up its fight against fraud with new dedicated officers and a united approach across public services.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Business, Councils, Crime, #article, Suffolk Public Sector Leaders (SPSL), Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk Trading Standards, Suffolk Anti-Fraud Partnership (SAFP), #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** Suffolk reported 3,370 fraud cases in 2022, resulting in £15.8m in losses. [Suffolk Public Sector Leaders (SPSL)](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/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](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/suffolk-constabulary/) and [Suffolk Trading Standards](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/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)](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/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.

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