The main categories of serious offences covered by serious and organised crime (SOC) are:
• Child sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Illegal drugs
• Illegal firearms
• Fraud
• Money laundering and other economic crime
• Bribery and corruption
• Organised immigration crime
• Modern slavery and human trafficking
• Cyber crime
The sole purpose of serious and organised crime is personal gain in whatever guise. It can therefore harm communities in many different ways, for example:
• The supply and distribution of drugs within communities that harm users and can also impact on the local environment.
• Putting children and young people at risk of child sexual exploitation, online grooming or exposure to adult or illicit material online.
• Fraud, identity theft and other forms of financial crime can harm the wellbeing of individuals within a community.
• The supply of firearms or other weapons to threaten or harm individuals.
• Support, enable or profit from human trafficking and modern slavery.
The harm caused by serious and organised crime is far reaching and can be very different for individuals, communities and businesses alike. It can include the loss of money or other assets, or harm to business or personal reputation and victims can suffer from anxiety and stress, particularly if they are vulnerable.
Occasionally victims can be physically injured, subjected to psychological trauma, or killed as a direct or intended consequence of criminal action. Entire communities can also be victims; for example prevalent drug supply and distribution across a local area can have substantial impact on the health and wellbeing of residents and the overall environment, generating a sense of fear or disquiet. Money laundering, loan sharks, illicit businesses and the exploitation of workers can also harm local communities.
Crime Stoppers
Anonymous helpline for reporting information and suspicions.
Helpline: 0800 555 111
Access the Crime Stoppers website
Devon and Cornwall Police
To report and seek advice about crimes, incidents and concerns.
Call: 101 non-emergency number
Report via the online crime reporting form
Additional information resources and support are available here.
Action Fraud is a Police service for reporting Cyber and online financial crime. It also provides information on the very latest tactics being used by scammers by thematic area (Pensions, Telephone, Financial, Cyber etc).
