CHESHIRE Police is joining a national scheme to tackle fraud.

Forces across the UK are signing up to Action Fraud, the country’s national fraud reporting centre.

The move to new ways of reporting will change the way fraudulent crimes will be collated and used to detect crimes as well as build up intelligence about fraud and fraudsters.

From February 18 victims of fraud should contact Action Fraud through the national number or website.

Anyone reporting fraud to Cheshire Police will be referred to Action Fraud unless the victim is perceived to be vulnerable or an immediate police response will result in the offender being caught.

By April all police forces in England and Wales will be directing the public to this service.

To report fraud ring Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk.