GMP’s Cyber and Economic Crime Awareness Service (CECAS) won a Tilley Award at last month’s National Problem-Solving Conference, coming up against steep competition from forces across the country.

The Tilley Awards celebrate problem-oriented projects that have made a significant difference to their communities and areas.

The specific operation awarded, and which launched in 2024 has seen more than £4m returned to victims of fraud, in addition to countless preventative and proactive actions:

  • The delivery of over 30 proactive community engagement events every month, raising awareness of fraud and cybercrime

  • Installation of over 150 call-blocking devices to protect vulnerable individuals from telephone-enabled fraud

  • Deployment of more than 100 security cameras to safeguard victims of doorstep crime

  • Establishment of a multi-agency partnership approach, embedding joint working to tackle economic harm at its root

  • Delivery of targeted, preventative education through over 3,000 doorstep visits within 12 months

The team’s dedicated work has also seen a tangible difference to multiple districts where they have concentred their efforts. This has seen reductions of fraud in multiple areas: 55% in Stockport, 65% in Trafford, 75% in Oldham, and 55% in Tameside.

By tailoring their approach and creating bespoke initiatives to benefit everyone from schools to vulnerable people, the team continues to tackle fraud while raising awareness of fraud, financial security, and more across Greater Manchester.

The work often enlists the help of volunteers whom regularly take part in stalls, events, and vital community engagement.

Detective Inspector Stacey Shannon, from the operation, said:

“Fraud is a crime that is constantly evolving, which is why we have been working non-stop over the last two years to spread awareness, engage with communities, and educate people about ways to protect themselves from serious and organised crime.

“Our work has seen millions of pounds recovered from fraudsters and put back into the hands of victims, along with hundreds of hours of engagement, and countless people offered advice and assistance.

“This award for the team and volunteers is testament to their commitment and dedication to the people of Greater Manchester, and their ongoing work which will continue to take all manner of action.”