South East ticket fraud reports surge by 96%

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As Oasis recently announced their seismic reunion tour, research conducted by Lucia has revealed a shocking rise in ticket fraud reports.

A Freedom of Information request sent by Lucia to Action Fraud revealed that ticket fraud reports have surged by 96% in the South East from 2021 to 2023. The years 2022-2023 also saw an increase by 10%.

Altogether in the South East there were 494 reports in 2021, this rose to 882 in 2022, and to 967 in 2023 showing a year on year rise. In the most up to date 2024 figures (Jan-May) there have been 495 reports.

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Looking into the regions police forces, Hampshire Constabulary saw the biggest surge from 2021 to 2023 (162%), Surrey Police was second (117%), and Kent Police was third (109%).

Woman With Credit Card Using Landline PhoneWoman With Credit Card Using Landline Phone
Woman With Credit Card Using Landline Phone

Police Force

2021

2022

2023

Percentage Increase

Hampshire Constabulary

65

144

170

162%

Surrey Police

66

123

143

117%

Kent Police

94

123

196

109%

Sussex Police

69

135

141

104%

Thames Valley Police

200

297

317

59%

Thames Valley Police saw the smallest increase overall (59%).

Looking at the demographic details of the reports made from 2021 to May 2024 in the South East, 1,314 came from females, 1,117 came from males and 347 were classed as unknown. Altogether 47% were females.

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Police Force

Female

Male

Unknown

Thames Valley Police

448

407

129

Kent Police

245

184

70

Hampshire Constabulary

223

201

51

Surrey Police

202

158

53

Sussex Police

196

167

44

Looking at the victim age group statistics, the most common age group that were victims in the South East were 20-29.

Sadly, three victims were children aged between 0-9.

Across the entire region 247 victims were children/young adults aged between 0 and 19.

Moving onto the monetary details, the South East had an average loss of £743 between 2021 and May 2024.

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In terms of police forces, Thames Valley Police saw the highest overall average loss (£916), Surrey Police was second (£755), and Hampshire Constabulary was third (£714).

Police Force

2021

2022

2023

2024

Overall Average

Thames Valley Police

£983

£822

£1,026

£796

£916

Surrey Police

£717

£845

£834

£510

£755

Hampshire Constabulary

£656

£849

£550

£843

£714

Kent Police

£651

£691

£770

£658

£709

Sussex Police

£401

£817

£770

£664

£707

Sussex Police had the lowest average loss in the region with £707.

When considering the highest loss, Thames Valley Police was at the top reporting a loss of £36,461. Hampshire Constabulary had the second-highest loss (£20,000) and Kent Police came third reporting a loss of £16,600.

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Police Force

2021

2022

2023

2024

Highest Loss

Thames Valley Police

£36,461

£14,000

£21,078

£7,281

£36,461

Hampshire Constabulary

£5,074

£9,706

£8,700

£20,000

£20,000

Kent Police

£5,524

£7,738

£16,600

£4,980

£16,600

Surrey Police

£8,000

£9,699

£10,800

£5,500

£10,800

Sussex Police

£4,872

£8,988

£9,600

£5,000

£9,600

Speaking on the findings, Georgina Pellant from Lucia said, “these findings are really shocking.

“It’s really easy to fall victim, all it takes is a small drop in focus, maybe a busy day, or you’re feeling tired, and you can lose a lot of money, no matter how fraud savvy you are.

“The fact that children, under the age of 10, are also falling victim means we don’t just have to be mindful of our own activities, but also our family and even kids.

“I urge people to be careful, always think twice, use trusted sources, never rush, and remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it most often is.”

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