Op Henhouse: Three arrested as police target fraudulent criminality across Teesside

The women, two aged 32 and a 36-year-old, were arrested following investigations into separate offences.

Following a briefing at Cleveland Police Headquarters, officers travelled to Hartlepool, Stockton and Redcar to execute the warrants this morning (Thursday 6 February).

At a property on Kinbrace Road in Hartlepool, a 32-year-old, was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and transported to police custody for questioning.

She is suspected of using other people’s personal details to set up accounts with reputable companies to order numerous items worth approximately £1,000. The activity came to the attention of police when debt collectors contacted the victims who then reported it.

In Stockton, officers arrested the 36-year-old woman at a house on Victory Gardens in Stillington. She is currently being interviewed on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

It follows reports of fraudulent tickets for a Taylor Swift concert being sold on Facebook.

Officers arrested a third women, aged 32, at a property on Honeysuckle Gardens in Redcar on suspicion of fraud by false representation and theft by employee.

She is being questioned in relation to using an employer’s bank card at a postal service to fund a lifestyle.

The activity was orchestrated by detectives within Cleveland Police’s Economic & Cyber Crime Unit as part of as part of a month-long intensification period codenamed Operation Henhouse. It is aimed at tackling criminals suspected of being involved in fraud. The activity this morning was also supported by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) under Operational Sentinel.

Operation Henhouse is a campaign funded by the National Economic Crime Centre and being led by the City of London Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to combat fraud.

Detective Inspector Amanda Badger, who is leading the operation for Cleveland Police, said: “This morning’s operation has been successful as we continue to target individuals suspected of committing fraudulent activity and highlights how members of the public can protect themselves from becoming a victim.

“Fraud can come in many different forms but ultimately it can be preventable if we take the right steps to protect ourselves or our businesses by thinking STOP! Think Fraud.

“If something does not seem or feel right, it probably isn’t. I therefore want to take this opportunity to urge people to get a second opinion.

“Please get advice from someone you trust or a professional person and report incidents to Action Fraud. They will then refer the reports to police for investigation and action will be taken like we have seen today.”

Here are some useful tips on how to protect yourself from fraudsters:

• 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.