Support service to protect people from scams and fraud celebrates fourth anniversary

A SERVICE set up to protect people from scams and doorstep crime is celebrating its fourth anniversary.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership (CAPASP) was launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in 2018 to help prevent residents falling foul of unscrupulous schemes that con victims out of thousands of pounds.

The initiative, now run by Cambridgeshire County Council brings together more than 20 public, private and voluntary organisations from across the county including the police, local councils, Age UK, Citizens Advice and other community groups with the premise of raising awareness about scams and supporting victims.

As CAPASP held its AGM on Wednesday (14th December), Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston congratulated the organisation and its supporters for their outstanding service to the public over the past four years.

“CAPASP provides a vital service across our communities, and I have no doubt the information and advice it shares has protected countless residents from becoming a victim of crime,” he said.

“Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, unscrupulous criminals are using every trick in the book to cash in and swindle people out of their life’s hard work. The need for this service has never been more great and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the scheme for the amazing job they do – keep up the good work!”

CAPASP has a network of volunteers from businesses and schools to housing associations which share information on the latest scams with their local communities.

Alongside public sector organisations and charities, banks and utility providers have also rallied behind the organisation to help protect people from scams.

Current members include Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Cambridge City Council, Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Anglian Water, Care Network and Citizen’s Advice Peterborough, NatWest Bank, Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and the OPCC.

CAPASP’s website offers a variety of resources including posters and leaflets to help raise awareness of different scams.

For more information and for a full list of members visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/against-scams