Not protectively marked.

Action Fraud.

Reporting Advice.

The telephone call centre is available on 0300 123 2040

There is also the facility to report fraud on line at

http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/report_fraud

From 9th January, 2011, GMP staff will be required in most instances to refer victims of

Fraud offences to Action Fraud to report their crimes. The following procedures should be

followed.

Members of the Public attending Police Station.

If it is apparent that the member of the public is reporting a fraud offence, it is possible in

most cases to advise them to report the fraud to Action Fraud (unless the category of fraud

is one listed in Appendix A below). Action fraud are experts in recording fraud and the fraud

can be reported by calling the call centre free of charge, or by using the web reporting tool

away from the Police Station at a time that suits them.

If the victim takes this advice, hand them an Action Fraud leaflet and allow them to go. There

is no need to record any further details.

If it is apparent that the victim is vulnerable for any reason, or that an immediate response is

required (see below for further details), then the incident must be reported as you would for

any other crime type.

Vulnerable persons.

Before directing members of the public to Action Fraud, it must be established whether the

person reporting is vulnerable or at risk. If they are vulnerable, or at risk, then the crime must

be reported in the usual way. This will ensure that GMP can offer the best possible service,

and that appropriate support is available. A comprehensive definition of a vulnerable person

is detailed below at appendix B.

Incidents requiring an immediate investigation.

If there is an opportunity to apprehend an identified offender or to prevent the crime from

occurring or continuing by instigating an immediate response, then the crime must be

reported in the usual way.

If the member of the public insists that the Police take the report.

If this is the case, then call Action Fraud for the member of the public and when contact has

been made to the call centre, hand the phone over to the member of the public. Alternatively,

and if it possible, assist the member of the public to use the on line reporting tool.

Not protectively marked.

Members of the Public contacting the Police by phone.

If it is apparent that the member of the public is reporting a fraud offence, it is possible to

advise them to report the fraud to Action Fraud (unless the category of fraud is one listed in

Appendix A below). Action fraud are experts in recording fraud and the fraud can be reported

by calling the call centre free of charge, or by using the web reporting tool away from the

Police Station at a time that suits them.

If the victim takes this advice, there is no need to record any further details.

If it is apparent that the victim is vulnerable for any reason, or that an immediate response is

required (see below for further details), then the incident must be reported as you would for

any other crime type.

Vulnerable persons.

Before directing members of the public to Action Fraud, it must be established whether the

person reporting is vulnerable or at risk. If they are vulnerable, or at risk, then the crime must

be reported in the usual way. This will ensure that GMP can offer the best possible service,

and that appropriate support is available. A comprehensive definition of a vulnerable person

is detailed below at appendix B.

Incidents requiring an immediate investigation.

If there is an opportunity to apprehend an identified offender or to prevent the crime from

occurring or continuing by instigating an immediate response, then the crime must be

reported in the usual way.

If the member of the public insists that the Police take the report.

If this is the case, then create a FWIN to ensure that a response officer attends.

Response Officers.

If it is apparent that the member of the public is reporting a fraud offence, it is possible in

most cases to advise them to report the fraud to Action Fraud (unless the category of fraud

is one listed in Appendix A below). Action fraud are experts in recording fraud and the fraud

can be reported by calling the call centre free of charge, or by using the web reporting tool

away from the Police Station at a time that suits them.

If the victim takes this advice, there is no need to record any further details.

If it is apparent that the victim is vulnerable for any reason, or that an immediate response is

required (see below for further details), then the incident must be reported as you would for

any other crime type.

Vulnerable persons.

Not protectively marked.

Before directing members of the public to Action Fraud, it must be established whether the

person reporting is vulnerable or at risk. If they are vulnerable, or at risk, then the crime must

be reported in the usual way. This will ensure that GMP can offer the best possible service,

and that appropriate support is available. A comprehensive definition of a vulnerable person

is detailed below at appendix B.

Incidents requiring an immediate investigation.

If there is an opportunity to apprehend an identified offender or to prevent the crime from

occurring or continuing by instigating an immediate response, then the crime must be

reported in the usual way.

If the member of the public insists that the Police take the report.

If this is the case, then call Action Fraud for the member of the public and when contact has

been made to the call centre, hand the phone over to the member of the public. Alternatively,

and if it possible, assist the member of the public to use the on line reporting tool.

If it is not appropriate to directly refer a member of the public to Action Fraud, then a

thorough initial investigation is required.

This includes taking a statement, recovering evidence that might be otherwise lost and

submitting a crime report as you would for any other incident.

All documentation must be Genifaxed to the Economic Crime Desk before the end of that

tour of duty. The Genifax number is 0161 855 2116.

Appendix A. Crime that will not be accepted by Action Fraud.

Preserved Other Fraud and Repealed Fraud Offences (Pre Fraud Act 2006)

Other Fraud (not covered elsewhere)

Fraud by Failing to Disclose Information

Fraud by Abuse of Position

Making or Supplying Articles for use in Fraud

Possession of articles for use in Fraud

Forgery or use of Drug Prescription

Other Forgery

Possession of False Documents

Fraud, Forgery etc associated with Vehicle or Driver Records

Appendix B . Vulnerable Person Definition.

GMP has a duty of care towards vulnerable persons and at risk adults and in the event that

such person is encountered , it is essential that a crime is recorded and that the incident is

correctly coded for the Public Protection Division. The following definition must be

considered in determining whether a person shall be treated as vulnerable.

Not protectively marked.

A person may be vulnerable by reason of age and/or their circumstances. Or, who suffers from mental or physical disabilities, illness, or other such special feature which renders them either permanently or temporarily unable to care or protect themselves against harm or exploitation. At risk adults are:

An adult aged 18 years or over ‘ who is or may be in need of community care services by

reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care

of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation’

An adult at risk may therefore be a person who:

• is elderly and frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment

• has a learning disability

• has a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment

• has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder

• has a long-term illness/condition

• misuses substances or alcohol

• is a carer such as a family member/friend who provides personal assistance and care to

adults and is subject to abuse

• is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and is in need of care and

support

Raising an Alert

Activity Responsibility Timescale

• Act to protect adult at risk

• Deal with immediate

needs

• Report to PPU

Everyone with a duty of

care

Immediately, if emergency or

within same working day (this

should be within 4 hours)

*Within this guidance the term ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at risk’ should be considered within a public protection

context and should not be confused the enhanced service provisions contained within the Code of

Practice for Victims of Crime.