Four women arrested in connection with high value fraud offences

Detectives from Cheshire Police have arrested four women in connection with a series of high value frauds across the North West of England.

They were all arrested earlier today (Wednesday 13 May) after a team of 50 officers from Cheshire Police executed warrants at four addresses in Greater Manchester.

The women - aged 29, 36, 39 and 40 - have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud.

Officers also seized a number of items including a car, electric scooters, furniture and a quantity of cash.

The investigation has been co-ordinated by detectives from Macclesfield, Northwich and the Cheshire Police Economic Crime Unit.

Detective Sergeant Dave Jarvis, of Macclesfield CID, said: “I welcome today’s arrests and I hope that they provide reassurance to our communities that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle this type of criminality.

“Today’s strike is the culmination of a lengthy and complex investigation focusing on a large number of fraud offences committed between October 2019 and April 2020 across the north west of England.

“These were carefully planned and co-ordinated offences where fraudulent bank details have allegedly been used to purchase items from stores in Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Derbyshire.

“All of the women arrested this morning are currently in police custody helping officers with their enquiries. A number of addresses are currently being searched as part of the ongoing investigation.”

Detective Chief Inspector Clare Coleman, Crime Manager at Cheshire Police, said: “The work leading up to and including today’s strike phase is testament to the dedication and commitment by officers and staff to disrupt criminal activity and to continue to keep our communities safe.”