November 28, 2017 10.46 am This story is over 76 months old

Scores of vulnerable adults financially exploited in Lincolnshire town

The abuse was known by agencies working with them.

A new report published today has revealed appalling cases of financial exploitation, intimidation and abuse against vulnerable adults in a Lincolnshire town.

The report by the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB), relates to 34 vulnerable people who were victims of financial exploitation in the same market town in Lincolnshire, first reported in 2014.

In particular, it describes ten shocking anonymised cases of financial exploitation.

Within the report, it was also found that ‘individuals had been subject to exploitation for a number of years’ and that ‘the abuse was known by agencies working with them’.

Although agencies faced suspicions that the crimes could be linked to an organised ring, there was insufficient evidence to support a prosecution.

In one case involving a victim with mental illness, referred to in the report as ‘Julie’, had her home invaded by drug users. She experienced financial exploitation and extortion and was a victim of physical and psychological abuse.

When reports were made to police, there was not enough evidence to progress charges.

The LSAB board, which includes Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police, NHS services and district councils, has now published the review outlining lessons learnt.

Barry Earnshaw, Independent Chair of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board, who commissioned the review said: “The report gives people an understanding of the width and breadth of our work in this area to protect, support and to help people to transform their lives.

“The examples highlighted describe harrowing abuse suffered by vulnerable people at the hands of their abusers.

“Financial exploitation often co-exists with physical, psychological and sexual abuse.

“The challenges victims of financial exploitation face every day are stark, so I am pleased LSAB has undertaken this review to identify what more we can do to support our local communities with this nationwide problem.”

Read the full report. 

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