Incoming police and crime commissioners must commit to do everything in their power to tackle fraud, Financial Fraud Action UK says, as it asks all candidates in next month’s elections to commit to a series of pledges to combat the crime. Financial Fraud Action UK is asking every candidate running in next month’s police and crime commissioner elections to make tackling financial fraud and cybercrime a priority if they are elected.

FFA UK wants candidates to identify additional police resources which can be focused on tackling fraud and cybercrime.

It is estimated fraud costs the UK economy in excess of £50 billion per year, with more than 1.5 million incidents of financial fraud in 2015. One in 10 people are thought to fall victim to financial fraud, say consumer groups.

Katy Worobec, Director of Financial Fraud Action UK, said:

“We are working hard to tackle financial fraud but with deception scams on the increase, it is vital incoming police and crime commissioners do everything in their power to tackle fraud. Signing up to our pledges will let residents know their local candidates are serious about tackling fraud and reducing the impact this terrible crime can have.”

Police and crime commissioner candidates are being asked to pledge to:

·         Make tackling financial fraud and cybercrime a priority for their Police and Crime Plan

·         Identify additional police resources to be focused on tackling fraud and cyber crime

·         Support national fraud awareness-raising activities and campaigns

·         Increase the number of fraud cases investigated and sent to the CPS for prosecution

Victims of fraud have expressed frustration at the lack of prosecutions and so FFA UK is asking candidates to increase the number of fraud cases investigated and sent to the Crown Prosecution Service. Candidates are also being asked to support national fraud awareness-raising activities and campaigns to help inform the public to avoid fraud attacks.

Elections for PCCs will take place in 41 police force areas in England & Wales on 5 May 2016, alongside local elections. Police and crime commissioners are responsible for the totality of policing, with a combined police force area budget of £8 billion.