A retiree who volunteers with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has won an award from the Chief Constable

Lynne Wilkinson, a retired sales assistant, started volunteering with GMP in 2019 - her specialism is in fraud prevention.

Since the beginning of 2024, Lynne has helped to reduce fraud losses in Stockport by over half - that is to say, a 53% reduction from January to September 2024, with a 33% decrease in victim numbers.

Now part of the Economic Crime Unit, Lynne works alongside police officers and other volunteers to prevent fraud.

She speaks to victims of economic crime, and she has also organised and taken part in hundreds of crime prevention stalls in the community - these are vital in raising awareness of the common signs of fraud and how to avoid them.

In recognition of her efforts, Lynne has been recognised at the prestigious Chief Constable's Annual Awards in the volunteer category.

Lynne has attended hundreds of crime prevention stalls over the past five years of her volunteering (Image - GMP)

Speaking of her work, Lynne said: "Some people who we speak to at our crime prevention stalls think that fraud is not a real crime, but it really is, and it definitely has the same emotional and financial implications of any other crime type, and that is why it is so important to share prevention advice with everyone.

"Fraudsters target everybody, and it can happen to anyone, so our work focusses on giving the public of all ages and backgrounds proper crime prevention advice to reduce the chances of them becoming a victim of fraud whist also protecting and supporting those who have fallen victim once a fraud has occurred."

Detective Superintendent Andy Buckthorpe of GMP's Economic Crime Unit, said: "Collectively our volunteers all hold a wealth of experience that is invaluable to our unit and Lynne is a longstanding ambassador for fraud prevention and is great asset to our team. 

"With the time she dedicates to us, we are able to reach so many more members of the community and her award is so well deserved.

"On behalf of Greater Manchester Police, I'd like to thank Lynne for all the time she has given us over the last 5 years. She is helping to make Greater Manchester safer, and for this we are really grateful for her unwavering positivity and commitment shown towards helping people navigate their way through being a victim of fraud."

Well done, Lynne!

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