A City of London policing head last night called for the Government to focus on action to keep everyone safe both on our streets and online.

Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, said: “If we want crime to drop in this country, we must address the fraud epidemic. Otherwise, criminals and hostile state actors in the UK and overseas will continue to succeed – harming the fabric of our society and our economic growth.”

Speaking to the Minister of State for the Home Office, The Rt Hon Lord Hanson of Flint, police, business leaders, and security personnel at the City of London Police Authority Board Dinner, Mr Broeke called for every police officer to be trained in providing advice and support to victims of fraud.

He said: “If local police officers don’t know how to deal with the highest volume crime type in the country, we must ask ourselves how can a victim who has just lost £100 through courier fraud feel supported? How can this victim build up their confidence in our police services?”.

Mr Broeke, who was appointed Chair of the Board early this year, said his priorities are to ensure victims are at the heart of everything that the board and the City of London Police service does.

Mr Broeke, a former special constable, said as part of his priorities he is working hard to launch the replacement service for Action Fraud – offering a better service to victims to report fraud, and for law enforcement and industry to share information more effectively. His third priority is accelerating the work to make the City Police one of the most inclusive police services in the country.

Mr Broeke said: “It will be a top priority of my term to hold the Commissioner accountable for progress on this critical journey.”

The Chair highlighted the role the City of London Police Service plays in keeping the Square Mile one of the safest business districts in the world and make it an attractive destination for businesses to locate, and for City workers, residents, and visitors to connect.

He said: “He said: “Today, we want everyone who lives, works, and visits the Square Mile to be safe and feel safe. Relentlessly focused on tackling violent and acquisitive crime through our revitalised Safer City Partnership, action to address shoplifting and phone snatching, Operation Reframe the Night and other initiatives to prevent violence against women and girls.

“Ultimately, this is about better policing outcomes and improving public trust.”  

ENDS

Notes to editors

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.

The City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council is the Police Authority for the Square Mile. The Police Authority Board is responsible for holding the Commissioner of the City of London Police to account. It aims to make sure the force is running an effective and efficient service, ensuring value for money, and setting policing priorities considering the views of the local community.