Fraudsters arrested after Dagenham police sting

Police officers teamed up with staff from a delivery company to arrest two fraudsters attempting an internet scam.

Employees at Shop Direct Group became aware of a fraudulent purchase which had been ordered from an address at Sylvia Pankhurst House in the Heath Park Estate, Dagenham, and informed the police.

Staff realised a laptop worth £650 they were due to deliver had been ordered using fraudulent payments.

Seized

Officers from Barking and Dagenham Safer Estates Policing Team joined the delivery staff for a controlled delivery of the laptop on June 14.

Once the delivery had been made, police officers visited the address. They searched the flat and seized a number of items that could be linked to fraud.

A 19-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man from Dagenham were arrested at the scene and have been released on bail until mid-August pending further enquiries.

Det Insp Phil Brewer said: “Not only has this operation put a stop to the alleged criminal activities of these suspects, but it has also supplied expansive information that could assist in further detections and recovery of property.”

Det Ch Supt Simon Letchford added: “This is a great example where the information held by other partners can assist in identifying and disrupting crime.

“Those that think crimes committed over the internet are not risky need to fear that next time they take delivery of stolen items the police will be coming through the door shortly after.

“We will be working with all London boroughs to make these types of operations regular business.“