More than a dozen fraudsters in Nottinghamshire reoffend within a year

More than a dozen fraudsters in Nottinghamshire went on to reoffend within the space of just a year, figures reveal.
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Fraud prevention group Cifas warned the crime can be ‘devastating’ for victims.

Figures from the Ministry of Justice show 64 adults were released from prison, cautioned or handed a non-custodial conviction for fraud at court between July 2019 and June 2020 in Nottinghamshire.

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Of them, 16 committed at least one further crime within 12 months.

People released from prison, cautioned or handed a non-custodial conviction for theft offences had the highest rates of reoffending, at 47.9 per cent.People released from prison, cautioned or handed a non-custodial conviction for theft offences had the highest rates of reoffending, at 47.9 per cent.
People released from prison, cautioned or handed a non-custodial conviction for theft offences had the highest rates of reoffending, at 47.9 per cent.

A year previously, 24 out of 91 fraudsters reoffended.

Across England and Wales, about one in five fraud offenders reoffended within a year of their release or conviction in the year to June 2020, compared with just 13.9 per cent in the year to June 2010, when these figures began.

This rise was the second biggest of all types of crime, behind violent offences.

The MoJ warned some prolific criminals might appear multiple times in the figures over a year if they repeatedly reoffend, which could lead to an increase in reoffending rates.

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Cifas, a not-for-profit fraud prevention membership organisation, said fraud can have a ‘devastating impact on victims’.

Amber Burridge, Cifas head of fraud intelligence, said: “Often people feel ashamed and embarrassed about being a victim to fraud and may be susceptible to further scams that claim to help you get your money back as they try to deal with it alone.

“This is not something you have to struggle with on your own.”

She said any victims of financial fraud should report it and let their bank know immediately.

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In Nottinghamshire, 24.7 per cent of all offenders broke the law again within a year, down from 28.3 per cent the year before.

Between them, the 888 reoffenders racked up 3,340 new offences, an average of 3.8 each.

At 47.3 per cent, reoffending rates were also highest for theft offences in the area.

A Government spokeswoman said: “Reducing reoffending is one of our top priorities which is why an extra £550 million will be invested over the next three years to rehabilitate offenders and protect the public.

“We’re also spending £400m to tackle economic crime and developing a new strategy to clampdown on the devastating impact fraud can have on victims.”