Police have arrested five people as part of a further crackdown into courier fraud that spread across the country. 

Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), worked with partners today (Thursday) in their efforts to tackle fraud and protect communities. 

Officers had received intelligence that a group of suspects were carrying out a number of courier frauds targeting vulnerable and elderly people in the Durham area and wider country. 

The complex scam, known as courier fraud, sees criminals convince their victims their bank accounts have been scammed and asked them to help officers investigate by supplying ‘vital evidence’ in the form of cash, valuables and bank details. 

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Criminals can pose as police officers, bank staff or other trusted authority figures to gain the trust of their victim. 

With Operation Highpoint already underway, a dedicated operation tackling this crime type, NEROCU officers, with the support of local police forces, began planning their next move. 

Today they carried out several strikes targeting suspects in Scotland, London and West Yorkshire, resulting in the arrest of four men, aged between 22 and 41, and a 39-year-old woman, all on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. 

They currently remain in police custody. 

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Following the arrests, Detective Constable Nichola Gaines, from NEROCU’s High Harm Investigation Team, said: “We have seen a recent spate of courier fraud across the country and would like to praise the countless residents who have continued to recognise and report this to us. 

“These abhorrent fraudsters are targeting some of the most vulnerable in our communities – but hopefully this operation highlights the lengths that we will go to safeguard victims and ensure justice. 

“Make sure to stop and take a moment to think before parting with your money or information and don’t be afraid to challenge people who are causing you concern. “Please talk to your family and friends if something doesn’t feel right and report the fraud. We are here to support you.” 

Detective Inspector Shaun Fordy, the High Harm lead for NEROCU, added: “This operation has been the result of fantastic partnership working with the Metropolitan Police, Police Scotland and West Yorkshire Police and work like this will continue. 

“We are committed to working with partners to ensure a robust and holistic approach to tackling fraud.

“Furthermore, under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our regional dedicated initiative to tackling serious and organised crime, we will continue to work with our communities and partners to stop offenders and disrupt their illicit activity.”

If you think you might have been a victim of courier fraud, please contact your local Police force if urgent or Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.

You can also report it online at the Action Fraud website here actionfraud.police.uk

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