Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis has welcomed a new taskforce to combat fraud including cyber crime across the UK.
The taskforce, made up of police, banks and government officials, will improve intelligence sharing between banks and police.
The latest fraud figures for Staffordshire show that there were 215 fraud offences in December 2015 reported to Action Fraud, who record such crimes, worth over £280,000 in total.
The total price tag of crime, including fraud, against businesses in Staffordshire is estimated at over £7,300 an hour.
The Commissioner said: “Fraud is not a victimless crime. It ruins businesses and undermines the credibility of the economy in Staffordshire and across the country.
“I welcome improved intelligence sharing and the use of technology to tackle criminals. We hope to sign a contract with a major IT partner shortly that will bring capability and capacity to achieve this in Staffordshire.
“In the same way you should lock your doors before leaving home, I’d urge people to make sure they take steps to protect themselves from fraud, whether that’s online or from cold callers on the phone. Find out more at https://www.getsafeonline.org/ “
Find out more about the Commissioner’s Business Crime Matters strategy and support for businesses at www.businesscrimematters.com
