Op Artemis: Six arrests in day of action focusing on fraud and economic crime

Officers executed warrants at properties in Stockton, Guisborough, Middlesbrough and Norton on Thursday 20 February.

(Warrant executed by officers on Ibstone Walk in Stockton)

The morning began with officers gathering for a briefing at Cleveland Police headquarters along with partner agencies including the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) under Operation Sentinel.

It comes following investigations in to five cases by detectives from Cleveland Police’s Economic Crime & Cyber Unit.

The warrants resulted in the following six arrests:

• In Stockton, a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, after a report that an elderly person had sent £3,500 to a Teesside address after fraudsters contacted him purporting to be from his bank.
• A 27-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation in the Guisborough area after reports that around nine accounts had been hijacked and items worth up to £3,000 delivered to a Teesside area.
• In Middlesbrough, two women aged 35 and 45, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation after a report that a vehicle purchased for £28,500 via bank transfer had not been delivered.
• A 61-year-old man from Middlesbrough was arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position after a report of the theft of up to £250,000.
• A 30-year-old woman from the Stockton area was arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position after a report of the theft of up to £367,000.

The six individuals have since been released on bail while further enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Amanda Badger, from Cleveland Police’s Economic & Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Yesterday’s activity in support of Operation Artemis adds to a previous day of action bringing our total to eight warrants and resulting in nine arrests.

“Both days have been a huge success. It has sent a positive message that we do have a team of officers who are dedicated in taking action against those suspected of committing fraud and protect our community.

“It is also important that members of the public are aware of the length’s fraudsters will go to deceive people, the various ways people can become a victim of fraud and how they can protect themselves.”

The arrests follow on from another three made on Thursday 6 February which took place in Hartlepool, Stockton and Redcar. 

Both activity was orchestrated as part of a month-long intensification period codenamed Operation Henhouse. It is aimed at tackling criminals suspected of being involved in fraud.

This activity was supported by Operation Henhouse, a National Economic Crime Centre initiative managed in partnership with City of London Police’s Lead Force Operations Room to provide funding to allow forces to undertake additional operational activity against fraudsters.

Here are some useful tips on how to protect yourself from fraudsters and to STOP! Think Fraud:

• Use three random words when choosing passwords and ensure that they are different from your other passwords. Utilise two step verification if offered and be careful with your information on social media.
• There are several ways members of the public can help to prevent and protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud including being careful with passwords and personal information.
• If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Break the contact and get a second opinion from official routes.
• Report any incident to Action Fraud, let family members and friends know too so they can protect themselves.
• Get support through Victim Care Advisory Service (VCAS) or National Economic Crime Victims Care Unit if you have become a victim of fraud. Don’t go through this alone because in reality you are not alone and there will be other people who have been a victim.

More information and advice can be found via our website.