Multi-agency scheme aims to cut scams and fraud in Derbyshire

The Stamp out Fraud in Derbyshire initiative will run from Monday, May 19 to Saturday, May 24 with a week full of community engagements and online input.

Officers across the county will be teaming up with Derbyshire County Council’s Trading Standards and Derby City Council to raise awareness of scams and protect communities from becoming a victim of the crime.

Detective Inspector Rob King, Head of the Derbyshire Economic Crime Unit said: “This week of action is a fantastic opportunity for us to work alongside our partners across the county to increase public knowledge of the crime, offer support and advice and raise awareness of the campaign.

“Fraudsters can be convincing and appear genuine but thankfully there is lots of support and information available so that we can all take the steps to protect ourselves from the crime.

“The message is simple and clear, if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is.”

Commissioner Alan Charles added: “This initiative shows the power of partnership working, with different specialists pulling together to tackle crime.

“All too often this type of crime sees avaricious criminals preying on elderly or vulnerable victims and while I hope that this week provides them with information to protect themselves I really hope that it will raise awareness of the problem so that neighbours, families and friends be on the lookout for people behaving suspiciously.”

The week-long drive will see Community Safety officers and Safer Neighbourhood teams across the force heading out into the local communities to advise residents about the steps that they can take to protect themselves from the crime.

Top cops will be taking to the hot seat to give members of the public the chance to ask questions and gain specialist advice on a range of fraud topics. The surgery will go live on Wednesday 21st May and will take place between 6pm and 8pm.

For more information, visit www.derbyshire.police.uk/stampoutfraud