Three arrested as part of a continued clampdown around courier fraud

On January 10, officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit’s (NEROCU) Proactive Economic Crime Team (PECT), supported by the City of London Police, simultaneously executed three warrants at addresses across London.

The warrants were a result of an investigation into courier fraud which has seen a North East victim scammed out of £55,000.

The targeted operation saw raids at addresses on Jacquard Point, Namba Roy Close and Gibson House in London.

As a result of the robust police action, three suspects were arrested, two men, aged 24 and 29 and a women, aged 26.

All three have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Searches of the properties also resulted in the discovery of mobile phones and luxury goods believed to have been purchased through the proceeds of crime.

Courier fraud often targets vulnerable and elderly people via calls from someone purporting to be a police officer or figure of authority.

They inform the victim of false fraudulent activity on their bank account and sometimes claims that their bank staff are involved to deter them from contacting the bank another way.

The criminal requests they withdraw large amounts of cash and to return home where it will be collected by a police courier for examination – who is actually a criminal associate.

Alternatively, the criminal asks the victim to put handover the bank card and personal information to that same courier.

Following the arrests, PECT Detective Sergeant James Woodcock, from NEROCU, said: “These criminals are experts in manipulating people and copying the methods of communication used by banks, HMRC, the police and other reputable organisations to appear legitimate.

“They think they are smart enough to evade police and conduct their illegal operations targeting vulnerable people, but this strike has proven no one believed to be involved in criminal activity is safe.

NEROCU officers also work with banks and community groups to educate staff and the public around spotting the signs and how to report it.

DS Woodcock added: “No reputable organisation will mind if you take your time, challenge them, or ask for proof and hang up.

“If in doubt, speak to someone you trust, drop into your local bank or call the number given on your official bank statement. If you’re sent a link by text or email don’t click it, report it.”

For help and advice about Courier 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.