MEMBERS of a group which oversees the work of a police force has expressed frustration over the complexity of reporting crimes facing victims of scams.

Councillor Peter Dew told the North Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel that while people targeted by fraudsters were often left in turmoil, the situation was exacerbated by them being left unclear about which organisation to contact to seek redress.

He suggested a single point of contact could be created for those who have been targeted to fraudsters.

Cllr Dew told the meeting at County Hall in Northallerton: “It is fairly confusing to a lot of people about who to contact when they are scammed.

“Is it trading standards, is it the police, is it the council, is it the bank? It’s a very big problem.

“We all know people who have been scammed, some get £30,000 taken out of their accounts. It is devastating.”

North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said she agreed a single number for reporting would improve the situation facing victims, but there were obstacles that would hamper creating a contact number for victims in the county.

She said: “I would love that situation, but I don’t think it’s going to happen because a lot of these are national bodies.

“What we’ve said locally is to call 101. They should advise on what else you do.

“However much we try to persuade the powers that be to consolidate this it is quite a confusing picture.”

She added a National Trading Standards programme was focusing on individuals in the community who may be targeted and the force was working to improve commuinications on the issue.