Suspected fraudsters have been targeted in a series of early morning raids in an attempt to get control of the growing problem.
The latest Operation Artemis saw officers raiding homes across the Cleveland Police force area and Darlington as the crackdown resulted in a number of arrests.
It brought together resources from across Cleveland Police and the NEROCU (North East Regional Crime Unit) to pursue offenders who are responsible for committing fraud.
The initiative is in support of Operation Henhouse which is a national intensification period for tackling fraud.
Officers searched a house in Lime Road in Guisborough before heading to the Stockton area where they arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of money laundering at an address on Ingleton Road.
The teams then improvised and climbed a ladder to initiate an arrest through a small window at a property on Blair Close in Norton.
Temporary Detective Inspector Amanda Badger, of Cleveland Police’s Economic Crime Unit, has offered up some advice to help prevent people falling victim to the callous crime and tackle the scourge of cold callers.
She said: “Record down the contact numbers of those contacting people, report these through to Action Fraud but also make contact with the police through the victim advisory service who will be able to come round and provide advice.”
Four people have been arrested so far after warrants were executed as part of Op Henhouse.
- A 39-year-old man has been arrested at an address on Leafield Road in Darlington on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position of trust.
- A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering in Ingleton Road in Stockton.
- A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation at Blair Close, Norton.
- A 42-year-old was arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position and trust at an address on Pine Hill in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.
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Officers carried out a series of leaflet drops in the areas surrounding the properties they raided to reassure residents about the nature of the operation.
A force spokesperson added: “The impact that fraud has on victims can’t be underestimated. It’s not just the financial loss which can be devastating, many victims suffer from feelings of embarrassment and shame with their mental health negatively impacted.
“Fraud undermines the economy and adversely affects our communities. It is often linked to serious and organised crime and many fraudsters deliberately target the vulnerable and the elderly.”
Anybody concerned about fraud should contact the Police on 101 alternatively contact Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 or visit the website.
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