Beyond Resources: Understanding Police Attitudes to Fraud and the Barriers to Prioritisation

Abstract

Fraud is the most common crime in the UK, yet it remains persistently deprioritised within policing. This study investigates the underlying reasons for this neglect, drawing on semi-structured interviews with twenty-four experienced police officers across a range of roles and ranks. While limited resources, skills gaps, and the complexity of fraud cases were frequently cited, the findings reveal a deeper issue: prevailing police attitudes that frame fraud as low-harm, low-urgency, and less legitimate than violent or visible crime. Fraud is often seen as a ‘victimless’ offence—particularly where financial losses are reimbursed—and as less appealing to investigate. These perceptions weaken investigative motivation and contribute to inadequate victim support. The study advances existing literature by providing first-hand practitioner insights and identifying actionable strategies to reframe fraud as a core policing priority. These include targeted training, investment in digital and financial expertise, stronger collaboration with external agencies, and cultural change within police organisations. The study argues that meaningful change requires not only improved capacity and cross-sector collaboration, but a fundamental shift in how fraud is conceptualised within policing culture. It also highlights the urgent need for a more strategic, victim-centred, and cross-sector approach to tackling fraud in the UK. It concludes with recommendations to support institutional change and reframe fraud as a core policing priority.