Officers will be out and about across the borough this week to raise awareness of housing fraud and how to report it.

The increased activity ties in with International Fraud Awareness Week, and comes as it was revealed that more than 100,000 social rented homes across the UK were being occupied fraudulently.

Officers will be based at Highfields Estate, Halesowen on Thursday from 10am to 1pm. A fraud awareness session will also be delivered to the Tenants & Residents Association at Cole Street Methodist Church, Darby End, Netherton on Wednesday from 7pm.

Officers will also be door knocking to speak to tenants directly and invited to complete a short survey. This will help officers understand how much tenants know about housing fraud and how to report it. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing and communities, said:

“This is an excellent opportunity to meet our teams and ask any questions you may have about housing fraud. It can come in many forms, be it not telling the truth when applying for a property, sub-letting a home without permission, or owning other properties.

“The end result is the same – it means homes are not available to those who need them most. Residents are our eyes and ears when it comes to housing fraud, so I hope this week will show people how to report it when they see it without fear of repercussions or being identified.”

International Fraud Awareness Week runs from Sunday to November 18.