Five people in Bedford were among 20 arrested across Bedfordshire as part of a national fraud operation that ran throughout February.
Officers from Bedfordshire Police’s Serious Fraud Investigation Unit (SFIU) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have been taking part in Operation Henhouse 3, targeting those suspected to be involved in fraudulent activity.
A total of 20 people have been arrested over the last four weeks in connection with various fraud investigations across the county and two further people were interviewed under caution.
The arrests in Bedford include:
- A man in his 30s from Bedford was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in connection with an investigation into fraudulent activity involving a company in Bedford
- A man in his 20s from Bedford was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation in connection with an investigation into a fraudulent online shopping account
- A woman in her 20s from Bedford was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation in connection with an investigation where vulnerable people from across the country have been tricked into providing bank cards that have been used for the fraudulent purchase of high-value goods
- A man in his 30s from Bedford was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation in connection with an investigation into the fraudulent use of a company credit card
- A man in his 30s from Bedford was arrested on suspicion of a fraud offence
With fraud now the most common crime in the UK, the Government recently launched a new national campaign called Stop! Think Fraud, which encourages people to learn more about the different fraud tactics so they can protect themselves from becoming a victim.
Detective Sergeant Chris Smith from SFIU, said: “Operation Henhouse has proved to be very successful for us as it has given us the opportunity to really focus on doing all we can to progress several investigations and arrest and question suspects relating to these cases.
“Sadly, we have seen a huge rise in fraud cases over recent years as scams are now becoming more sophisticated and more innocent people are being caught up in them.
“Often, many victims are embarrassed by what has happened to them and don’t want to report it to the police or even tell their own loved ones.
“However, fraud can happen to anyone and so we would urge you to stay vigilant and take a moment to stop and consider whether something is a scam if you are asked to share your personal details, or part with money or anything valuable.
“If you have any concerns about fraudulent activity, please do contact Action Fraud as soon as possible.”
For more advice on how to protect yourself from fraud or how to report an incident to Action Fraud if you have been a victim, visit the Stop! Think Fraud website.
