THE role of a number of staff members of Essex Fire and Rescue Service, including an officer who serves the the Dengie Peninsula, is to expand to encompass making local people aware of possible frauds.

A number of staff have received training from Essex Police to become Fraud Ambassadors, meaning they will – as part of their wider role in the local community – be able to identify people that are at risk of fraud and offer them prevention advice and information.

The staff will also be able to direct people to further help if they think they have already been a victim of fraud.

Les Davis from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, whose community patch includes Maldon, said: "Fraud is an ever-increasing crime which can cause an enormous emotional and financial impact and although it can affect anyone the people most susceptible to fraud are the vulnerable members of our communities.

"The fire service's role in the community is so much more than just giving fire safety advice. We already include crime prevention advice in our Safe and Well visits, and this training will become a valuable asset in helping to protect the vulnerable members of our community from becoming victims of fraud.

"This training will help us spot the signs that someone is at risk of becoming a victim of fraud so we can provide advice and refer them for more help if needed."

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "Fraud is now the largest single crime type in the country and has a devasting impact, with many victims losing money and investments that they would have worked so hard for. This is a really good example of the benefits of collaboration between our emergency services as they work together to help keep people safe from harm."

So far, over 25 fire service staff who work in the community and schools have already taken part in the training.

You can follow Les, and his work in Maldon and the Dengie Peninsula, on Facebook by clicking this link