Police investigate seven courier fraud reports across Leicestershire

Police are urging residents to warn older relatives, friends and neighbours about courier fraud after seven reports across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Victims are being targeted by callers pretending to be police officers or bank staff.

Leicestershire Police are investigating seven reports of courier fraud across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and are urging people to help protect older and vulnerable residents.

The incidents are reported to have taken place between 4 September and Monday 12 October, with locations including West Leicester, Braunstone, Syston, Narborough, Burbage, Kibworth Beauchamp and Ryhall in Rutland.

Courier fraud involves criminals contacting victims by phone and claiming to be police officers or employees of their bank.

They may tell victims their bank account has been targeted by fraudsters or that they are investigating counterfeit money. Victims are then persuaded to withdraw large sums of cash for collection from their homes.

In other cases, criminals ask victims to hand over their bank cards and reveal their PIN numbers.

Nicole McIntyre, from Leicestershire Police's Economic Crime Unit, said fraudsters often target elderly or vulnerable people and can sound convincing to gain their trust.

She reminded residents that police officers and banks will never contact people in this way to collect bank cards or ask for their PIN.

Anyone receiving a suspicious call is advised to hang up. If someone arrives at their home claiming to be a police officer and asks for their bank card, they should not hand it over and should close the door.

People who want to contact their bank should wait five minutes after ending the call, as fraudsters may remain on the line, or use a different telephone.

Police are also asking people to speak to older relatives, friends and neighbours who may not see warnings online. Telephone companies may be able to offer call-blocking technology to help reduce unwanted calls.

Taxi firms are being urged to remain alert, as fraudsters sometimes use local taxis to transport potential victims to banks. Anyone with concerns should contact the police.