Agenda item

Report of the Commissioner.

The Committee received a report of the Commissioner with an assessment of City of London Police performance against the objectives set out in the National Policing Strategy for Fraud, Economic and Cyber Crime 2023-28 for quarter 1 2025/26 (1 April 2025 – 30 June 2025).

Members noted that the force had achieved a 44% year-on-year increase in disruptions against organised crime groups (OCGs), recording 513 disruptions and 39 pocket activities for the quarter, demonstrating a strong start to the year. Home Office targets for protecting people and businesses were met.

Economic cybercrime was highlighted as an area of concern, with training levels at the Economic Cyber Crime Academy having declined over a two-year period. This was due to financial pressures, accreditation requirements, and reduced cost competitiveness. Work was underway to diversify training audiences, explore additional funding, and expand international delivery, including courses for officers in Mauritius and Nigeria.

A Member raised concerns about the temporary impact on performance of staff reassigned to support the new Action Fraud system. Officers confirmed this had resulted in a temporary reduction in priority allegations and some performance metrics; this was anticipated and within tolerance. The new system was expected to improve linking of related reports, reduce manual bottlenecks, and enhance case management, victim communication, and investigative outcomes once fully operational.

A Member asked about activity relating to OCGs and the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Another Member enquired on training throughput, academy attendance, and declining domestic uptake. Members also asked about reporting timing and format - including colour coding and consolidation of performance packs - allocation of officers to the Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting and Analysis Service (FCCRAS), consistency in statistics, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible training models.

Officers highlighted ongoing international and financial sector training, collaboration with UK Finance and the National Crime Agency (NCA), and initiatives to improve operational effectiveness. Members noted improvements in contact centre performance, with average wait times reducing substantially over the last two years.

A Member requested a concise crib sheet summarising key metrics and benefits from the report, to support discussions with colleagues and stakeholders. Officers confirmed that, while some benefits were not yet fully realised, a short summary would be prepared and made available to Members by 4 September.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.