A new £150m service to replace Action Fraud will “streamline victim reporting” and “empower swift police intervention”, for law enforcement to stop, block and catch more fraudsters, a Square Mile policing chief has said.

Speaking to the Court of Common Council, the City of London Corporation’s top decision-making body, Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board James Thomson said economic security is “critical to the competitiveness of the UK, London and the City”.

He told elected Members that the City of London Police, which is the National Lead Force for tackling fraud, was working with its partners in law enforcement and the private sector to combat economic and cyber-crime across the country.

The City of London Police Authority Board is responsible for holding the Commissioner of the City of London Police to account in running an effective and efficient service; ensuring value for money in the way the force is run; and setting policing priorities considering the views of the local community.

Setting out the statutory annual refresh of the 2022-25 City Policing Plan, Mr Thomson said the City of London Police remains focused on tackling violence against women and girls, and on “being trusted by the communities it serves – by delivering policing with professionalism, integrity and compassion and putting victims at the heart of the service”.

Public trust and confidence in policing, particularly in London, he said, is under “intense scrutiny”, with the City of London Police aiming to be the most inclusive police service in the country.

He said this year’s Policing Plan supports this goal “through seeking a culture of inclusivity, equity, and fairness throughout the City police and in its service delivery.”

The force remains focused on “ensuring the Square Mile remains the safest business district in the world” he said, with protective security, including counterterrorism, a top priority.”

He said construction of a new City civic hub, which will be the headquarters of the City of London Police and a flagship combined court for His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, supporting 2,100 jobs is “well underway”.

James Thomson is a former City of London Police Special Constable.

 ENDS

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.

About the City of London Police Authority Board:

The City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council is the Police Authority for the Square Mile. The Court delegates this duty to the Police Authority Board. The Board is responsible for holding the Commissioner to account in running an effective and efficient service; ensuring value for money in the way the Force is run; and setting policing priorities taking into account the views of the local community.

About the new £150m service to replace the Action Fraud will:

• Make it easier for everyone to report fraud and cybercrime, taking the burden out of reporting and speeding up the time it takes to report.
• Let victims know what has happened with their report, including when reporting has aided others to be protected.
• Protect more people and businesses from fraud and cybercrime through targeted and timely advice on how to avoid the latest fraud threats.
• Significantly improve the speed and quality of information provided to law enforcement partners, boosting their chances of successful prosecutions.
• Block and disrupt crime through providing real time information to institutions and organisations who can take down fraudulent websites, activities and bank accounts which we know are enabling criminal activity.