Issue - meetings

Presentation by Partnership Liaison Officer, Police Scotland

The Group considered a presentation by PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland. The presentation provided an overview of the work being undertaken by Police Scotland to highlight and reduce incidents of fraud.

Background information was provided around fraud and the increase in incidences of fraud since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. PC Evans also highlighted the impact that being a victim of fraud could have on individuals, and emphasised that anyone could be a victim of fraud.

PC Evans provided further information about the various methods that were being used by fraudsters; the work which was being undertaken by Police Scotland to combat the increase in fraud activity; and the ways in which partners could assist to prevent fraud within their local communities.

PC Evans encouraged people to sign up to Neighbourhood Watch Scotland and to complete the free training which was available. She confirmed that she had posted links to these resources on the Group’s Basecamp site for anyone who wants to access them.

Attendees thanked PC Evans for a very informative presentation, and agreed to feedback this information to their respective organisations. PC Evans agreed to share printed leaflets on fraud prevention with any interested parties following the meeting.  The Committee Manager agreed to circulate the presentation around the 56 Community Council’s within Argyll and Bute and PC Evans advised that she would be happy to attend any future Community Council meeting’s to provide an update in this regard.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Presentation by PC Laura Evans, Partnership Liaison Officer, Police Scotland, submitted)