27 March 2025 , 20:23
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Officers in West Mercia have played their part in a national crackdown on fraud across the UK which has led to over 400 arrests and the seizure of £7.5 million of cash and assets.
Dubbed Operation Henhouse, the crackdown has been coordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre and City of London Police. West Mercia Economic Crime Unit conducted 30 warrants across the force area, seizing over £500,000 and arresting six people for immigration offences during the operation.
Every single UK police force and Regional Organised Crime Unit took part in the operation. They were joined by national agencies including the Financial Conduct Authority, National Crime Agency and National Trading Standards.
The activity, which was the fourth iteration of the multi-agency Operation Henhouse, ran across February 2025 and resulted in 422 arrests, 155 voluntary interviews, 362 cease and desist notices, account freezing orders against £3.9m of assets and seizures of cash and assets worth £7.5m.
Fraud is the most prevalent crime in the UK, causing victims long-lasting emotional and psychological harm as well as financial loss.
It accounts for approximately 41 per cent of all crime reports, and costs an estimated £6.8bn each year in England and Wales alone.
Nick Sharp, deputy director of fraud at the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) in the NCA, said: “This year’s results are a testament to the determination of officers and officials across the country to work together to tackle what can be a devastating and life changing crime.”
The results represent a 91 per cent increase on last year’s cash seizure figures, and a 28 per cent increase on last year’s cease and desist figures under Operation Henhouse.
Minister for Fraud Lord Hanson said: “Fraud is a truly terrible crime which takes many forms and can affect anyone. We are determined to meet the scale of the issue head-on.
“The ongoing success of Operation Henhouse demonstrates the excellence of police and law enforcement partners, and the real-world impact of their activity to crack down on this truly pernicious crime.
“We will continue to work closely with them to highlight the importance of the Stop! Think Fraud campaign, and to introduce a new expanded Fraud Strategy, as part of our Plan for Change.”
The National Crime Agency are urging the public to continue reporting instances of fraud.
Head of Investigations