Arrests Made in Economic Crime Crackdown: Fraud and Theft Targeted

Police in Cleveland made six arrests. They targeted people suspected of fraud and economic crime. It all happened on Thursday, February 20. Officers searched homes in several towns, including Stockton, Middlesbrough, Guisborough, and Norton. One arrest involved a theft report, where someone stole up to £367,000.

The police met that morning, and they had a briefing at headquarters. Other agencies were present, like NEROCU. This was part of Operation Sentinel, and detectives from the Economic Crime Unit investigated five cases, with the Cyber Unit also involved.

The warrants led to six arrests. In Stockton, they arrested a 34-year-old man accused of fraud. Reportedly, an elderly person sent £3,500 to a Teesside address, believing it to be their bank.

In Guisborough, a 27-year-old woman was arrested, suspected of fraud related to nine hacked accounts where items worth £3,000 were sent to Teesside. Two women were arrested in Middlesbrough: a 35-year-old and a 45-year-old. They are accused of fraud related to a car not delivered after payment. The car cost £28,500 and was paid by bank transfer.

A 61-year-old man from Middlesbrough was arrested, suspected of abuse of position, allegedly stealing up to £250,000. In Stockton, a 30-year-old woman was arrested, also suspected of abuse of position, allegedly stealing up to £367,000.

All six individuals were released on bail while the police continue their investigation. Detective Inspector Badger from the Economic Crime Unit spoke about the operation’s success. She mentioned a prior day of action involving eight search warrants that led to nine arrests. The police are serious about fraud and protecting the public.

The public should remain informed, as fraudsters can be very deceptive and people become victims in various ways. It’s essential to learn how to protect oneself. These arrests followed three others on February 6 in Hartlepool, Stockton, and Redcar.

These actions were part of Operation Henhouse, a month-long initiative aimed at catching suspected fraudsters. The National Economic Crime Centre supported this, with the City of London Police managing it and providing funding for extra action against fraudsters.

Here is some advice to avoid fraud: use random words for passwords, making each one different. Employ two-step verification when available. Be cautious about what you share online. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts, stop contact, and seek official guidance. Report incidents to Action Fraud, and tell family and friends. Get support if needed, as victim services can provide assistance; you are not alone if you have been victimized.