Combat Fraud with Tarian

Are you fed up of fraudsters? Keep reading!

Tarian, which means “Shield” in Welsh, is the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) established in 2003 by the three Southern Wales Police Forces. It is part of a network of ten ROCUs across the country that collaborate to investigate and combat Serious Organised Crime (SOC). Serious Organised Crime (SOC) covers a range of threat and harms, which have tragic implications for communities, families, and individuals, as well as significant losses for commerce and the state.

Tarian comprises a diverse team of specialist Police officers and Police staff from the three forces of Dyfed-Powys, Gwent, and South Wales. Some of the capabilities that Tarian boasts are investigative surveillance teams, economic and cybercrime investigators, asset recovery experts, and intelligence specialists. The team aims to disrupt and dismantle Organised Crime Groups operating throughout Wales and protect our communities from serious and organised crime.

Chloe Dennis is one of the regional protect/prevent officers for the Economic Crime team, and goes out to speak with communities, organisations, schools, and businesses to prevent fraud and scams in the South Wales region. Fraud is the most common type of crime affecting people in England and Wales (6% of households experienced this). There were an estimated 3.2 million fraud offences in the year to September 2023, accounting for 38% of all crimes.  The team have done a lot of work with banks, schools, businesses, and community groups in South Wales, and are always on the look out to speak to as many people as possible about how to stay safe from Fraud and Scams. They speak to a variety of age groups, starting at 11 years old. Whether you’re a large-scale business, or a small group that meet for coffee once a week, the team will be able to alter their advice depending on what they believe is suitable to you. They also offer training for those that work with the elderly and more vulnerable demographic, which will inform you of what to look out for if you have suspicions that someone is being scammed or defrauded.

They offer in person and online presentations as well as information pop up stalls to the public, free of charge, where they can keep you up to date with the most common frauds that are circulating and how to keep yourself, and those close to you, safe from fraud. They also have lots of free merchandise and information booklets to offer.

If you feel like you could benefit from a presentation, or a pop up stall, please contact recuprotect-tarian@south-wales.police.uk to organise a visit from the economic crime team.