Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch have made an arrest following searches of two premises in the Newtownards area, earlier today, 4 February.

A man, aged 47, was arrested on suspicion of fraud related offences and remains in custody at this time.

The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into economic crime and the activity is supported by Operation Henhouse, a National Economic Crime Centre initiative.

Detective Inspector Harris, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Our investigations into fraud related crime, are a priority for us all year round, however, taking part in a period of intensified activity such as Operation Henhouse allows us to put the serious issue of economic crime, firmly in the spotlight.

“It highlights our concerted efforts to tackle and disrupt the activities of criminals, not just here in Northern Ireland, but throughout the UK. Working together with partner agencies, we will continue to work tirelessly to crackdown on fraudulent activities.

“We also rely upon the support of members of the public, and I’m keen to take every opportunity to ask you, if you have any information or concerns, to please speak to us.  You can call us on 101 or contact, with total anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Operation Henhouse is a National Economic Crime Centre initiative, which is managed in partnership with City of London Police’s Lead Force Operations Room to provide funding to allow forces to undertake additional operational activity against fraudsters. The activity supports the national Stop! Think Fraud campaign. 

Find out more at https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/