Lincolnshire Police said it is prepared for an anticipated increase in domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour and violence during the FIFA World Cup.

The Brazil-based tournament, which begins on Thursday, June 12 with the opening match between Brail and Croatia, will run until Sunday, July 13.

The force is aware of the opening times and where matches will be screened and said it has planned to use resources accordingly.

Assistant Chief Constable Lee Freeman is leading the local FIFA World Cup policing operation.

ACC Freeman said: “We will endeavour to make sure that the public of Lincolnshire, whether interested in the football tournament or not, are able to continue with their normal daily lives with the minimum of disruption.

“We are encouraging the responsible use of social media in the run-up to the matches. Any communication identified by or reported to Lincolnshire Police, suspected of being contrary to law, will lead to appropriate police action.

“In planning the force response to policing the World Cup 2014, we have anticipated an increase in domestic abuse and are undertaking both a preventative and proactive approach.

“Lincolnshire Police do not wish to discourage or prevent people from enjoying themselves but they must be aware of the impact they are having on other people.

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or violence. Anyone suspected of committing a criminal offence should expect to be arrested and to be put before the courts.”

Researchers and police nationally have found that during major sports events, reported levels of domestic abuse can rise up to 27% on match days; alcohol is a known contributing factor.

Lincolnshire Police are asking residents if they spotted a foreign registered Green Audi A4 around Tritton Road on Saturday evening, June 14.

Police are keen to get witnesses of this car due to the driver committing a number of driving offences and that day and suspected theft.

At around 6.30pm, officers traced the Audi in the Tritton Road area after a number of reports of suspected driving related offences.

They pursued it before arresting a 26-year-old Lincoln man on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

He has since been released on police bail.

Officers are now trying to build up a bigger picture of what happened in the area, so anyone who has information or spotted the car should call Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident 348 of June 14, 2014.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are investigating after a woman was found dead at her home in Lincoln.

Officers attended the incident on June 17, at around 12.20pm on Sincil Bank near the stadium.

They found a 29-year-old woman at the address, but was sadly pronounced dead.

Her death is currently considered unexplained but now an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances around the incident.

LATEST: Arrest in murder probe after woman found dead in Lincoln

Investigation leader DI Suzanne Davies said: “We are currently dealing with an incident in Sincil Bank and are treating the death of a woman as unexplained at present.

“If anyone saw or heard anything in the area at the time we would like them to contact police with any information that may assist the inquiry.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident 181 of June 17, 2014.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lincolnshire Police launched a murder investigation and made an arrest after a woman was found dead at a house in Sincil Bank in Lincoln.

The body of the 29-year-old woman was discovered at 12.20pm on Tuesday, June 17, after emergency services were called to a house near the stadium.

A person has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody for questioning.

A post mortem examination will be carried out on the body of the deceased woman in due course.

The murder investigation is being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU).

Officers are appealing for witnesses who may have any information that could assist the case.

DCI Martin Holvey said: “We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious or out of place around the area of Sincil bank from the evening of Monday, June 16, to the morning of Tuesday, June 17.

“This investigation is very much in its early stages and the more information we have from members of the public the more it will help us build up a picture of what has happened.

“Forensic investigations are being carried out at the scene and there is a visible police presence in the area of Sincil Bank, which is expected to remain for at least the next couple of days.

“Extra police patrols are also being carried out in the area which we hope will offer the public some reassurance.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 181 of 17/06/2014.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The new cyber crime unit set by Lincolnshire Police two months ago has already investigated 17 incidents.

The force only began recording the new classification of cyber-crime at the beginning of April.

Since, the unit investigated 17 incidents of crimes committed using a computer: 10 classified as violence without injury, four as sexual offences and three as crimes against society.

Only one of those crimes has so far resulted in criminal charges but three have been dealt with via a caution and in 11 cases the investigations are ongoing.

Detective Superintendent David Wood, Director of Intelligence at Lincolnshire Police, said: “There are two types of cyber crime, cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes.

“Cyber-dependent crimes are offences that can only be committed by using a computer, computer networks, or other form of ICT.

“There is no doubt that cyber crime is set to increase. In order to tackle it effectively, new ways to identify and classify it have been introduced.

“Whilst technology such as the internet and social media are featuring increasingly in the activities of criminals, police are responding by developing their insight and understanding into its criminal use, and enhancing their ability to identify and investigate these crimes and bring offenders to justice.”

Cyber-crime has been defined by the Home Office as an offence “where the reporting officer believes that on the balance of probability, the offence was committed, in full or in part, through a computer, computer network or other computer-enabled device”.

These include offences committed using via email, social media sites, on-line auction and dating sites, Skype and online video gaming networks.

With new legislation, solicitors firms are also expanding in the area. Lincoln-based regional law firm Bridge McFarland has a new specialist internet law service.

Internet law expert Mike Wilson is heading up the new service. He said: “There is a rising tide of problems arising from the growth in the internet and social media.

“Increasingly businesses have been the victims of malicious online postings and breaches of intellectual property rights too.

“Companies often feel powerless when faced with these issues but there are a number of legal avenues that can be pursued.”

Bridge McFarland recently took legal action on behalf of a business in relation to material published online.

The firm ensured that the offending material was quickly removed, with a retraction and apology being provided without the need for formal legal action.

Detectives investigating the death of a 29-year-old woman at a house on Sincil Bank in Lincoln have now named the victim.

She was Mingzi Yang, 29, of Sincil Bank.

The body of Ms Yang was discovered at a house on Sincil Bank on Tuesday June 17.

Police confirmed that a man was arrested in relation to the enquiry and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

DCI Martin Holvey said: “I would appeal to anyone who knew Ms Yang to contact the force as soon as possible as your information could assist with the enquiry.

“Also, anyone who saw or heard anything or anyone suspicious in the area of Sincil Bank on the evening of Monday 16th June into the morning of Tuesday 17th of June is asked to get in touch with that information.

“It may seem insignificant but it could help up build up a bigger picture of what has happened.”

Extra police patrols are still ongoing in the area and a scene guard is expected to remain in place until at least the end of the week.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 181 of 17/06/2014.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lincolnshire Trading Standards have seized cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco from a south Lincoln resident allegedly selling them to school pupils.

The resident was apparently selling the products to pupils from a caravan in Meadow Farm Caravan Park on Chapel Lane in North Hykeham.

They were caught after Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police carried out a test purchase on Tuesday June 17, where a 15-year-old was able to buy a packet of not-duty paid cigarettes.

The seller was arrested and the vehicle searched — 140 illegal cigarettes and 850g of foreign hand rolling tobacco were confiscated.

Empty packets were also found, which indicated individual cigarettes were being sold on to young people.

Amongst the empty packets were two packs of Jin Lings, which are an illegal brand and very dangerous.

Kirsty Toyne, senior officer for Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said: “It is totally unacceptable and against the law to sell cigarettes in this manner to anyone – especially to young people who are under the age of 18.

“The products that we have taken are illegal because they haven’t paid taxes on them and many had foreign labels, which are illegal as they don’t display the UK safety warnings.

“It was also extremely worrying that we found Jin Lings there too as these cigarettes do not self-extinguish and therefore do not meet the safety requirements to be legally sold in the UK.”

If residents believe they have seen illegal, fake or duty free goods being sold to customers, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Lincolnshire Police ran their first major East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS) joint force operation in the county on Friday, June 20.

Since January, operational support Services in Lincolnshire have been integrated into a four-force collaboration, working alongside Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire police.

Their remit covers roads policing, armed policing, public order, police dogs and command and control. Benefits of this collaboration include increased resilience, capacity, consistency of approach and efficiency.

Although local response units will still be first on scene with their local knowledge and experience, the combined resources of four forces can be called upon when required for targeted and prioritised operations.

One such operation, the first of its kind and scale in Lincolnshire since the formation of EMOpSS, was conducted in Lincolnshire on June 20.

The ‘F4tal 4′ is a national campaign focusing on the four main causes of injury and death on the roads: drink/drug driving, speeding, mobile phones and seatbelts.

A large scale operation was run in the morning at eight locations around Lincoln, using officers from all four of the EMOpSS forces.

The eight checkpoints in and around Lincoln were staffed by teams led by a Lincolnshire officer, but working with up to 10 officers from other forces.

There were also technicians present to check that vehicles are roadworthy, and background checks were carried out on licences and insurance details.

Lincolnshire Police Superintendent Shaun West, EMOpSS Superintendent for Lincs and Notts, said: “Operations such as this demonstrate the benefits of collaborative working between forces.

“Previously, we wouldn’t have had the resources to mount such a large scale operation in a single day, but the eight checkpoints mean that we can have a really significant impact on tackling the Fatal 4 in and around Lincoln.

“Road death and serious injury happens across the region, so a regional response is right and appropriate.

“Drivers in the county should be aware that policing the roads will involve officers from across the region working together in bigger teams and at more locations than would otherwise have been possible.

“Drivers may well be stopped on the day by an officer from another force, but offences will still be dealt with and processed by Lincolnshire Police.”

Operation results

Following the operation in Lincoln on Friday, police said 103 Traffic Offences Reports (TORs) will be submitted for not wearing seatbelts, 29 for mobile telephone use, 10 for excess speed and 11 for other issues such as smashed windscreens.

Two vehicles were seized for no insurance / no driving licence.

They also issued two Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme notices which give drivers two weeks to correct a fault.

Two arrests were made, one of a man who will be charged (when fit) with excess alcohol after blowing 111 in a breath test and another man arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of drugs.

Tributes have been paid to the Sincil Bank murder victim Mingzi Yang as police continue to investigate her death.

Mingzi Yang was found dead at a home in Lincoln on June 17.

Police believe she moved to the UK from China in 2008 and has been living at the address in Sincil Bank for two and a half years.

She studied English at Lincoln Collage. Christian Bartlett, her tutor, said: “Mingzi was a vivacious and friendly young woman, and everyone who came into contact with her was charmed by her ready laugh and infectious humour.

“Although she was Chinese, she had made England her true home, and until very recently she was attending classes to further improve her already excellent English skills.

“Every member of her class at Lincoln College spoke fondly of her kind and joyful personality when they heard the sad news today,” he added.

John Allen, Principal and Chief Executive at Lincoln College, added: “Our thoughts are with her family and friends and we are helping the Police with their investigation in any way we can.

“We are inviting anyone at the college who has been affected by Ms Yang’s death to speak to one of our counsellors who will be able to support them at this very sad time.”

Forensic teams are still on the scene in Sincil Bank and it is expected that searches will be begin in the area later today.

A man who was arrested earlier in the week in connection with Mingzi’s death has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

DCI Martin Holvey said it was vital that anyone who knew Mingzi contacts police.

“We are trying to build up as full a picture of Mingzi and her life as possible and I appeal for anyone who knew her to get in touch with us,” he said.

“Anyone who knew her is asked to contact us with any information they might have because it could assist the enquiry.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 181 of 17/06/2014.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detectives investigating the death of Mingzi Yang in Lincoln have made a second arrest.

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Martin Holvey said: “The person in custody is currently being interviewed about Mingzi’s death and, at this early stage, I am not releasing further details about the arrest.”

Mingzi Yang, 29, was found dead at her home in Sincil Bank in Lincoln on Tuesday, June 17.

A man who was arrested earlier in the week in connection with Mingzi’s death has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The second arrest comes after detectives carried out searches in the area on Friday afternoon.

DCI Holvey added: “We are continuing to build up a picture of Mingzi’s life and I would like to take another opportunity to appeal to anyone who knew her since her arrival in the UK in 2008 to contact us.

“There may still be college friends, neighbours and casual acquaintances who might have information that could assist the enquiry, especially if they saw her on the morning of her death.”

Mingzi Yang moved to the UK from China in 2008 and police believe she has been living at the address in Sincil Bank for two and a half years.

She joined the English for Speakers of Other Languages programme at Lincoln College in September 2013.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 181 of 17/06/2014.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detectives investigating the death of 29-year-old Mingzi Yang in Lincoln have charged a man with her murder.

As previously reported, detectives made two arrests after the body of  Ms Yang was discovered at a house in Sincil Bank on June 17.

Wai Hong Tsang (33) from the Grimsby area, has been charged with murdering Ms Yang.

He appeared at Lincoln Magistrates Court on the morning of June 23, and at Lincoln Crown Court in the afternoon on the same day.

The man has been remanded in custody until a plea and case management hearing in September.

Mingzi Yang moved to the UK from China in 2008 and is believed to have lived at the address on Sincil Bank for around two and a half years.

She joined the English for Speakers of Other Languages programme at Lincoln College in September 2013.

DCI Martin Holvey, who is leading the investigation, said: “Since the death of Mingzi we have spent a great deal of time trying to build up a picture of her life and we still greatly need the assistance of the public with that task.

“I would directly appeal to anyone who knew her, even if it was only very casually, to get in touch with officers to help us construct a greater understanding of the life she led since arriving in the UK in 2008.

“College friends, people she knew who lived in the area, any individuals from the Chinese community – your information could be exactly what we need.

“We are also really keen to hear from anyone who saw Mingzi on the morning of June 17. Please contact Lincolnshire Police with that information.

“It may not seem to be important but could prove vital to this investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 181 of 17/06/2014.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are continuing their appeal for information one week since the body of Mingzi Yang was discovered at her home in Sincil Bank in Lincoln.

Detectives investigating her murder would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a cyclist in the area on Tuesday, June 17.

DCI Martin Holvey, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to hear from anyone who was in Sincil Bank or the surrounding area last Tuesday who saw a man wearing a blue safety helmet, a hard hat type, and riding a pedal cycle between 7am and 1pm.

“Also if you saw anything or anyone suspicious in the area at the time please do contact us. Even anything that struck you as odd or out of place could prove vital to this investigation.”

As previously reported, a 33-year-old man has been been arrested and charged with murdering Ms Yang.

Wai Hong Tsang from the Grimsby area, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates Court and at Lincoln Crown Court on June 23 and has been remanded in custody until a plea and case management hearing in September.

Murder probe continues

Officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) have been working on the investigation since Mingzi was found fatally injured at her home last Tuesday.

A Home Office post mortem examination has been carried out but officers are awaiting further tests to establish the exact cause of her death.

Police officers have been following leads and gathering information to build up a detailed picture of Mingzi’s life and have urged anyone who knew her to contact them.

DCI Holvey said: “Today is a week since Mingzi was found at her home in Sincil Bank.

“I’m asking for anyone who might have known her to contact Lincolnshire Police and give us that information so that we can have a more thorough understanding of her life and lifestyle.

“We know that Mingzi, who had a young son, came to the UK in 2008 from China and had been living in Sincil Bank since 2012.

“She studied at Lincoln College and is widely described as a well-liked, friendly young lady who got on well with her tutors and peers.

“Her college friends, her friends in the community, people who knew her from the school gates – we would like to hear from anyone who knew her in any way.

“Her immediate family are based in China and through work with the Chinese Embassy and local authorities in China I have managed to talk to her parents who are understandably distraught. Our thoughts are with them.”

Police officers will be in the area of Sincil Bank on Tuesday carrying out further enquiries and trying to jog people’s memories about anything they might have seen on the morning of June 17 that could help with the investigation.

DCI Holvey added: “We are committed to carrying out a full and thorough investigation into Mingzi’s death and bringing the offender/offenders to justice. To do this we need the help of the public.

“We will be in the local area today talking to people, carrying out searches, and just trying to gather as much information as we can. Please think back – did you see something last Tuesday morning that might have stuck in your memory?

Did you see or hear anything that was unusual for the time or area? We are grateful for any information that can be given to us, no matter how insignificant it might seem.”

Contact Lincolnshire Police with any information on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 181 of 17/06/2014, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Over 40,000 speeding offences were captured by speed cameras in Lincoln in the past four years, with the top recorded speed clocking in at 64 mph over the limit.

Data taken from the 53 camera sites between the LN1 and LN6 areas shows that, between January 1 2010 and January 1 2014, cameras recorded 40,060 speeding offences.

The results, obtained by The Lincolnite through a Freedom of Information request, also highlighted the highest recorded speeds in the postcode area.

The highest speed recorded was on the B1192 Lanrick Road near Coningsby, when a motorist was caught by a speed camera travelling at 94mph in a 30mph zone.

Also included in the list of the most excessive speeding offences was a motorist travelling at 65mph along Long Leys Road in Lincoln, more than double the 30mph limit.

One Lincoln driver was also caught doing 61 mph along Bunkers Hill in Lincoln, 31mph over the speed limit.

If a person admits speeding, a Fixed Penalty Notice is the minimum penalty, with a fine of £60-£80 and three points on their license.

Assuming all offences recorded in Lincoln in the last four years incurred the minimum £60 penalty, the cameras would have made some £2,403,600 in revenue.

Prosecutions in court for speeding have motorists facing a fine of up to £1,000 (£2,500 if they were speeding on the motorway).

Lincolnshire Police are investigating an incident in which a white Ford transit van was stolen from an address on Skellingthorpe Road.

The theft occurred on Thursday, June 26 between the hours of 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

The van, with registration LG09WYR, was securely parked up outside house number 479 Skellingthorpe Road, on the Birchwood estate.

Offenders gained entry to the vehicle by unknown means and drove from the scene.

Police enquiries are still on-going and officers are offering a list of tips to prevent further victims. They advise:

• Be vigilant around the area – if neighbours are away, check on their property also.
• Check your property on a regular basis and ensure that any fences are intact or replaced to deter offenders.
• Check any amounts of copper & lead on your property as these are targets for criminals.

Call us if you see anything suspicious:

• Strangers going round the back of your neighbour’s property when they are not in or climbing over a fence.
• The sound of breaking glass.
• Strangers carrying items of property and putting them into a vehicle.
• Remember to write down descriptions of people sat in vehicles including vehicle type, colour and vehicle registration number.

Officers are asking anyone who has information or has seen anyone acting suspiciously around the time of the incident to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 399 of June 26.

Police are appealing for information to find a 12-year-old Lincoln boy who went missing from his home in the city.

Niks Patmalnieks was last seen between around 6pm and 7pm on Thursday, June 26.

Lincolnshire Police didn’t say which area of the city he went missing from.

He is described as having light brown hair; he was wearing a blue jacket, and carrying a black bag and a duvet.

Police say they are concerned for his welfare and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen Niks, or for Niks himself to get in touch with officers or his family.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101, giving Niks Patmalnieks as the reference.

A 69-year-old man was robbed in Lincoln on Friday evening.

The incident happened at around 5.30pm on June 27, when the victim was attacked and robbed of his wallet near the garages leading to Hermit Street, off Portland Street.

Police said the robber approached the man from behind and pushed him to the ground before stealing his wallet and running off along Hermit Street.

He is described as being aged around 30, about 5ft 6in in height, of thin build and wearing a dark jacket and light coloured tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 328 of June 27.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The 69-year-old man robbed of his wallet in Lincoln on Friday has died in hospital.

As previously reported, the incident happened off Portland Street at around 5.30pm on June 27.

The elderly man was walking along the street when a man attacked and robbed him of his wallet near the garages leading to Hermit Street.

The offender approached the man from behind and pushed him to the ground, taking his wallet before running off down Hermit Street.

The elderly man was taken to Lincoln County Hospital for treatment, but died of his injuries over the weekend, police said.

A post mortem examination has been carried out on the deceased man, but further tests are taking place to establish the cause of death.

Anyone with information on this incident, or saw any suspicious activity in the area, should call Lincolnshire police or 101, quoting incident number 328 of June 27.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lincolnshire Police have named the elderly man who died after he was attacked and robbed on a street in Lincoln.

He was Michael Broxholme, 69, of Hermit Street in Lincoln.

As previously reported, Michael Broxholme died on Saturday, June 28 at Lincoln County Hospital after the incident on Friday, June 27, when he was pushed to the ground and robbed of his wallet.

The incident happened at around 5.30pm by the garages leading to Hermit Street off Portland Street.

A post mortem examination has been carried out, but further tests are needed to establish the exact cause of his death.

Police have increased their presence in the area and said they are taking a range of measures to reassure residents.

Anyone with information on this incident, or saw any suspicious activity in the area, should call Lincolnshire police or 101, quoting incident number 328 of June 27.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Some 48 people have been charged with drink driving offences in the first month of Lincolnshire Police’s summer drink driving campaign.

From June 1, officers across the county have been conducting an intelligence-led operation to identify drink drivers.

The campaign, alongside Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership focuses on the BBQ season, when people are believed to be most likely to consider driving home after a few drinks with friends.

Police officers carried out roadside checks at all times of the day using FIT (Field Impairment Tests) and breathalyser checks.

Members of the public were also asked to identify drink drivers by texting the word “DRINK” to 80800 followed by details of the vehicle and driver.

In the first 10 days of the summer campaign, 22 people were charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol in the county.

The details of those charged are published for a limit of 24 hours on the Lincolnshire Police website.

Police state that if a member of the public knows of someone who is imminently going to drink drive, they should dial 999.

The force’s Christmas campaign, which began in December, resulted in 74 motorists across the county, including twelve people from Lincoln, charged with drink driving.

During Lincolnshire Police’s summer drink driving campaign for 2013, 79 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug related offences in the first month.

Lincolnshire Police are welcoming individual annual fraud and cyber profiles that shine a light on some of the major crime threats in their local areas for the first time.

As previously reported, the new cyber crime unit set by Lincolnshire Police two months ago has already investigated 17 incidents.

The nationally distributed reports will draw on a full set of Action Fraud data – also a first - and CIFAS and FFA UK reports.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has produced reports that provide an evidence base for law enforcement to develop their own strategies to protect their communities from fraud and cyber crime.

The profiles, commissioned by the office of the Police National Coordinator for Economic Crime, contain national and force data on a number of topics, including volumes of reporting, reported losses, top fraud types, geographical trends, victimology and details on organised crime groups.

Lincolnshire Police says the profiles will enable the force to provide appropriate fraud prevention advice and to target criminals who are causing harm within the community.

The force is also reminding people to be careful and take sensible precautions when passing personal details or banking information to others, particularly when using the internet to purchase items.

Sergeant Ian Jarman of Lincolnshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit said: “The recording of fraud and cyber enabled frauds has increased nationally, with computers being used more and more.

“We will pursue the offenders for crimes passed on by the NFIB to maximise the recovery of criminal assets through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

“While many of the crimes reported to the police will be investigated by local officers, they will be supported by specialist staff from the High Tec Crime Unit and the Economic Crime Unit based at Force Headquarters”.

Police National Coordinator for Economic Crime, City of London Police Commander Steve Head, said: “How we combat fraud and cyber crime is a national and international issue of growing significance, but we must never lose sight of the fact that the greatest harm is often felt by individuals and the local communities where they live.

“These profiles have been produced in recognition of this fact and will be updated on a regular basis to ensure they are a continual point of reference for police forces across the UK”.

If you are a victim to this type of crime, you should report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.