In 2022, Suffolk reported 3,370 fraud cases with £15.8 million in losses. With a growing population and businesses, fraud remains a significant threat to Suffolk's economy, and can affect anyone.
To enhance fraud prevention and protection, Suffolk Public Sector Leaders (SPSL) agreed a proposal submitted by Suffolk Constabulary to fund two dedicated Fraud Prevent and Protect Officers, a role which SPSL recognise as vital for partnership working to tackle fraudulent activity.
Suffolk Constabulary and Suffolk Trading Standards will now work together to recruit these new Fraud Prevent and Protect officers who will respond to information from financial services and other similar bodies regarding people who are vulnerable to fraud. Furthermore, these officers will deliver presentations and talks to group and communities with a view to reducing the number of victims of fraud in the county.
The National Trading Standards Scams Team supports local partnerships to aid fraud victims through education, awareness, and collaboration. This approach, known locally as the Suffolk Anti-Fraud Partnership (SAFP), involves Suffolk Trading Standards (STS) and Suffolk Constabulary sharing victim data to prevent further fraud.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Chair, Suffolk Public Sector Leaders, says:
"The establishment of the Fraud Prevent and Protect Officer posts is a crucial step in our commitment to safeguarding our communities from fraud. By enhancing our collaborative efforts, we can ensure that residents and businesses receive the support and protection they deserve."
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council Leader, says:
“This initiative demonstrates our proactive approach to tackling fraud in our county. The collaborative efforts of Suffolk’s public sector, supported by the new Fraud Prevent and Protect Officers, will play a pivotal role in preventing fraud and assisting victims. Our priority is to create a safer environment for all. "
This position will support partnership working, whilst ensuring the county sees:
Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, says:
“I am absolutely delighted to see this great example of partnership working.
“Through the council tax policing precept, I committed £40,000 to fund a fraud prevention officer. With the additional funding from the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Pooled Business Rates Fund, we will now be able to increase this prevention work in the county which is great news.”
“Fraud is an ever-evolving threat, and it requires a robust and dynamic response. The creation of this dedicated post underscores our dedication to combating fraud and protecting our community. It will enable us to work more effectively with our partners in Trading Standards and across the region."
The joint efforts of Trading Standards and the Police will tackle the rising threat of fraud, ensuring a safer environment for residents and businesses. This integrated approach promises better prevention, protection, and recovery for all victims.
Issued on behalf of Suffolk Public Sector Leaders
Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group is made up of county, district and borough councils, police, and medical chiefs.
