POLICE say they have had an overwhelming response to their pledge to take their fraud safety campaign into local communities.

Last month, North Yorkshire Police called for community groups, services and organisations across the county to take part in the ‘Take Five North Yorkshire’ fraud awareness campaign.

The call for members of the public to get in touch to request a visit for their groups and organisations, received widespread support - and now a team of dedicated officers, PCSOs and volunteers have begun to deliver a roadshow of fraud prevention talks at more than 80 events across the county.

Upcoming events include officers and bank representatives talking about fighting fraud in Richmond Market Place on July 10 from 9am until 1pm and a fraud awareness session at Barclays on Market Place, Thirsk, on August 10 at 10am.

Detective Inspector Jon Hodgeon, Head of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Fraud and Economic Crime Unit said: “It only takes a few simple preventative measures to stay safe from fraudsters so we’re pleased that so many members of the public have come forward to request a visit from one of our officers to their community group or organisation.

“By taking our prevention advice right into the heart of our communities, especially those who are most at risk and are vulnerable, we’re giving people the best chance to stay safe from fraudsters.

“We would urge any services or groups who feel that their members or residents would benefit from finding out more about how to protect themselves against fraud to get in touch.”

While fraud is emerging as one of the fastest growing areas of concern for people across the county, North Yorkshire Police believes that the best form of protection is through awareness.

That is why the force made a pledge to visit each of their 16 Neighbourhood Policing areas throughout the duration of the campaign.

Thanks to the overwhelming response, the force is already on track to meet that ambitious plan.

It will see officers take fraud prevention advice direct to hundreds of residents, especially those who are most at risk and are vulnerable.

Community groups who would like to request a police visit should contact corporatecommunications@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk