The City of London is taking a leading role in combating fraud, which has surged to become the single largest crime type in the United Kingdom, now accounting for a staggering 44 per cent of all criminal offences. This development comes as the government unveils ambitious plans to modernise policing across England and Wales.
A Blueprint for Modern Policing
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently published a long-awaited White Paper, setting out a comprehensive blueprint to transform policing. The proposals are bold, ranging from establishing strict national response standards for 999 emergency calls to creating a new National Police Service, which some have likened to a "British FBI" focused on serious crime.
This level of reform reflects a fundamental truth: policing must continually evolve because criminals are constantly adapting their methods. From traditional neighbourhood burglaries to sophisticated digital scams that penetrate the very heart of our economy, the criminal landscape has transformed dramatically.
The Scale of the Fraud Challenge
Fraud is no longer a peripheral issue but a central threat to national security and economic stability. With nearly half of all UK crime now falling into this category, the impact on victims – from vulnerable retirees to small business owners – has been profound and damaging.
Too often, victims have felt abandoned by a system that offered little clarity about what happened after they reported a crime. This experience has highlighted the urgent need for a more responsive and victim-centred approach to fraud investigation and prevention.
Report Fraud: A New National Service
The City of London Police, serving as the National Lead Force for Fraud, has launched Report Fraud in partnership with the City of London Corporation and the Home Office. This modern national reporting, triage and intelligence service replaces the previous Action Fraud system and represents a fundamental shift in how the UK responds to fraud and cyber crime.
Report Fraud is not merely better technology; it embodies a completely new approach that prioritises victims and transforms their reports into actionable intelligence. The service enables law enforcement and industry partners to work together more effectively, stopping scams before harm occurs rather than merely responding after the fact.
Industrial-Scale Response Required
Fraud has become an industrial-scale crime that demands an equally industrial-scale response. Banks, technology companies, telecommunications firms and retailers often serve as the first line of defence, spotting emerging scams and suspicious financial movements.
When these organisations act quickly – blocking fraudulent payments, taking down fake websites and sharing intelligence – crimes can be prevented before victims suffer financial losses. Report Fraud strengthens this collective defence by providing real-time intelligence that enables coordinated action across sectors.
Substantial Investment and Infrastructure
The City of London Corporation has demonstrated its commitment to this fight through substantial financial support. The organisation contributed £13.2 million to develop and launch Report Fraud and will provide a further £2.5 million annually to support its ongoing operation.
Additionally, a £600 million, taxpayer-free investment in the Salisbury Square development will deliver 18 new courts near Fleet Street, creating much-needed additional capacity for prosecuting economic crime alongside a new City police headquarters scheduled to open next year.
Balancing National Capability with Local Trust
The government's White Paper proposals now face a crucial test: achieving the right balance between developing national capabilities and maintaining local trust in policing. The City of London's unique partnership model, combining police expertise with corporate support and government collaboration, offers a valuable template for this balance.
While the National Crime Agency leads the system-wide response to economic crime and is proposed to move into the new National Police Service, this transition will not result in any immediate changes to the fraud response led by the City of London Police.
The ultimate goal remains clear: building a policing system fit for modern crime that protects communities, supports victims and safeguards the UK's economic security. This represents a prize worth winning for the entire nation, with the City of London positioned at the forefront of this critical battle against fraud.
