Hub that helps victims of fraud in Hertfordshire wins national award

A project to support and advise fraud victims in Hertfordshire has won a national award for customer service.

The Beacon Fraud Hub, created and funded by Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire David Lloyd, was named the winner in the Outstanding Customer Service Initiative category.

The team based, based at Hertfordshire’s victim care centre Beacon, in Stanborough, Welwyn Garden City, were nominated in the annual Tackling Economic Crime Awards (TECAs).

This year’s virtual awards recognise those in the financial crime sector who have made a significant impact in tackling all areas of economic crime.

Congratulating the team Mr Lloyd said: “This is fantastic news and very well-deserved recognition for this hard-working and dedicated new team.

“The Fraud Hub is unique to Hertfordshire and is offering residents and business one of the best services of its kind in the country.

“Not only do they support and advice those how have fallen victim to fraud, but in some cases, they have exceeded expectations and helped victims to recover stolen funds using the Banking Code."

Head of Beacon Victim Care Service, Emma Jones said: “We are thrilled that the work of our dedicated team has been recognised like this.

"Setting up this award-winning hub which directly address those affected by fraud has enabled us to have team members with specialist knowledge, who can work with victims one-to-one while empowering them to know their rights.

“Hertfordshire Constabulary, David Lloyd, our Police and Crime Commissioner, and Catch22 have always supported us to better meet the needs of Hertfordshire’s victims of crime by

adapting our service as we see fit - ensuring no victim is left behind.”

The Beacon Fraud Hub employs four specialists to tackle one of the highest crime types in the county.

Since its creation April 2019 the unit has contacted 8,000 fraud victims to offer advice and support, and to prevent repeat offences.

In the process they have also helped them recover £500,000.

Detective Chief Inspector for Hertfordshire’s Case Investigation and Victim Support team, Luke Whinnett, said: “Hertfordshire’s innovative Beacon Victim Care team has been working hard to support victims of fraud, and the caring and diligent team has had great leadership from Inspector Victoria Richards.

“Fraud targets the most vulnerable people in our community and the hub ensures they receive excellent support and care when they most need it.

"This award is very well deserved by each and every member of the team.”

Beacon includes professionals from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Victim Service Team and Catch22, the charity running Victim Care on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Each month the Fraud Hub are sent a list of every Hertfordshire resident who has reported a loss to Action Fraud - the national Police reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.

Frauds include losing money through a trusted person, dodgy investments, pension theft, romance fraud, internet hacking or bogus telephone calls or letters.

The Beacon team will contact all victims of crime and, where appropriate, work with specialist case managers to provide a complete wrap-around service to help victims to cope and recover.