Ashfield police stay one step ahead of fraudsters by launching new scam-busting scheme to help potential crime victims

Officers have launched the voluntary Vulnerability Project scheme to provide pre-emptive warnings about scams and schemes set up by criminals.

They say potential victims and family members concerned about the risks they face can sign up to to the initiative, which will see them receive a monthly newsletter warning of the latest scams while folk judged to be at higher risk will get visits by uniformed officers.

It is hoped the scheme will prevent offences from happening, help to uncover new scams and generate additional evidence to prosecute offenders.

Insp Mark Dickson, district commander for Ashfield, said: “Frauds and distraction burglaries can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims. In my experience these are mostly older people who are seen as an easy target.

“During my career as a police officer I have come face to face with an awful lot of criminals – but there really is something especially cowardly and contemptible about people who prey upon our elderly residents.

“This new scheme builds on the already excellent fraud awareness work of Nottinghamshire Police by adding a final piece to the local jigsaw. It will allow us to understand who is most at risk, to intervene at the earliest possible stage, and also to catch offenders who may otherwise go unpunished. It really is a win win for the police, local residents and their families.

“My message to offenders is very clear: you may think that your victims are a soft touch by I can assure that my team and I are not. We take this issue extremely seriously and if we catch you targeting people in this community we will come for you and we will ensure that you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

By fjoining the scheme, members give Nottinghamshire Police the right to contact them directly about potential offences.

The frequency of contact will be assessed according to the vulnerability – and risks posed to – each scheme member.

- To enquire about joining the Vulnerability Project, email [email protected].