Nottinghamshire Police Collaborate with Garden Centres to Combat Fraud

In a strategic initiative to curb the rising tide of fraud, Nottinghamshire Police have partnered with local garden centres to educate the public on scam prevention. The collaboration is part of a broader campaign by the police’s Fraud Protect and Prevent team to disseminate crucial information on recognizing and avoiding scams.

The campaign, which includes visits to various garden centres every Friday, kicked off at Hollybeck Garden Centre in Southwell. Here, the team engaged with customers and distributed a “Think Scams!” advice booklet. This booklet, developed in conjunction with the Think Jessica charity, aims to make the public aware of the dangers and financial repercussions of falling prey to scams.

Detective Sergeant Tara Clapperton, from the Fraud Protect and Prevent team, highlighted the importance of reaching a diverse audience and expressed gratitude towards the garden centres for their support. The initiative is not limited to garden centres; it also encompasses educational sessions at schools, Mini Police events, and churches to engage with a wider segment of the public.

Dale Richardson, a member of the Protect and Prevent team, reported a positive reception from the public during these visits, with some centres inviting the team back due to the success of the events. The campaign underscores Nottinghamshire Police’s dedication to fraud prevention and community protection by equipping them with the necessary knowledge to stay safe.

This initiative reflects the police force’s commitment to exploring various channels, including social media, to ensure that all community members are informed and safeguarded against increasingly sophisticated scammers. The partnership with garden centres is just one of the many proactive steps being taken by Nottinghamshire Police to enhance the safety and security of its residents.