One in the cells after officers execute a targeted operation as part of a crackdown on fraud

Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) have arrested a man as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected organised criminal activity.

Yesterday (Tuesday), officers from NEROCU’s Economic Crime Team targeted an address on Clarendon Road in Thornaby.

The operation came after intelligence was received from Cleveland Police about reports of fraud in their force area. Further investigations revealed North Yorkshire Police had similar reports – that’s when NEROCU officers launched their operation and began planning their strike day.

As a result of the police activity, a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representations and money laundering. The man has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

NEROCU Detective Sergeant Andrea Smith praised the joint police work that led to the strike day which was carried out as part of the national Operation Henhouse activity.

DS Smith said: “This success has been the result of some outstanding partnership working and a clear example of the robust activity we’ll take against anyone looking to defraud members of the public.

“Organised criminality of any kind will not be tolerated in our region’s communities, and we will always look to identify those responsible for such offences and bring them to justice.”

For help and advice around fraud visit the Action Fraud website.

If you need to report a crime or suspicious activity, please speak to your local police force via their website or calling 101. Remember, in an emergency, always call 999.