Tag: security measures

Scottish charities urged to tighten protections amid fraud reports

Specialist insurer warns voluntary sector organisations not to overlook often-forgotten security measures, as awareness week approaches

Charities across the country are being urged to review their fraud prevention measures following latest data showing that 10 charity fraud incidents were recorded across Scotland in the past 13 months.

Data from Action Fraud’s Fraud and Cyber Crime Statistics Dashboard shows that these 10 incidents resulted in total losses of £31,700.

The figures reflect crimes reported to police, which may include cases where charities were directly targeted or where members of the public were deceived by fraudsters posing as charitable causes.

Ansvar Insurance, which specialises in providing cover to the charity and not-for-profit sectors, is highlighting the importance of vigilance ahead of Charity Fraud Awareness Week (8th to 12th December 2025), which aims to raise awareness and share good practice across the voluntary sector.

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “These figures represent real money that should have gone towards genuine charitable causes. Whether the victims are charities themselves or members of the public misled by fraudulent fundraising, the impact on trust in the sector is the same.

“The voluntary sector faces unique vulnerabilities, such as limited resources and high staff turnover, which criminals can exploit. As we approach Charity Fraud Awareness Week, we’re encouraging organisations to look beyond the basics and strengthen their long-term fraud resilience.”

While most charities are familiar with standard security protocols, Ansvar is drawing attention to three often-overlooked protective measures that organisations should not neglect:

  1. Review volunteer and staff access rights: People change roles, leave or take on new responsibilities. Regularly reviewing who has access to systems, bank accounts and data helps prevent both accidental and deliberate misuse.
  2. Validate all supplier or partner changes: Fraudsters will potentially impersonate trusted suppliers. Always confirm any change in bank or contact details by calling a known number, not replying to the email received.
  3. Audit cloud and shared access permissions: Many non-profits use cloud services for documents and donor data. Conduct a quarterly review of all user accounts and access permissions. Over-permissioned or dormant accounts are common entry points for cyber criminals looking for sensitive data.

Adam Tier added: “Charity Fraud Awareness Week is an opportunity for every organisation, large or small, to pause and review its controls.

“Prevention doesn’t always mean big budgets; it’s often about simple checks and staying alert to changes that don’t feel quite right.”

To help local organisations assess their vulnerabilities, Ansvar has published a cyber risk management guide on its website :- 

https://ansvar.co.uk/resources/risk-management-guides/protection-from-cyber-attack/. 

100ml liquid rule lifted at Edinburgh Airport

The 100ml liquids rule for airport security has been lifted at Edinburgh Airport for the first time since it was introduced in 2006 following the installation of top-of-the-range security x-ray technology.

It means passengers will be able to keep liquids in their bags when going through security, and those liquid containers can now be up to two litres each.

Edinburgh Airport, now part of the VINCI Airports network, is the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule.

It comes after eight new X-rays were installed as part of a £24 million investment to transform the security process at Scotland’s busiest airport. Large electricals, such as tablets and laptops, can remain in bags, and liquids in containers up to two litres can now also be kept inside.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is a big day for our passengers and the airport team – we are delighted to be able to lift this rule and really transform the whole security process, making it easier for everyone.

“A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006.

“The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology. But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet.”

Police Scotland launch Bike Theft Campaign

Police Scotland has teamed up with a professional mountain biker to offer prevention advice as part of a campaign to reduce the number of bike thefts occurring in Scotland.

Scotty Laughland, who has competed across the world and creates mountain bike content on his social media channels, filmed a series of videos to discuss the impact bike theft had on him personally and professionally.

He was joined by PC Graeme Scott to discuss the security measures the public can take to deter such crimes happening to them.

The 2020 Cycle Scotland Cycle Monitoring report showed that 45% of Scotland have access to a bike. Between April 2022 and March 2023, almost 4,000 bikes a year are reported stolen to Police Scotland.

In May 2022, Scotty himself became a victim of bike theft when his workshop in Stirlingshire was broken into and £50,000 worth of bikes, cycling equipment and tools were stolen from within.

Ahead of the UCI World Championship cycling events that will see thousands of professional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts visit Scotland, from Thursday, 3 August, three videos will be published on Police Scotland’s social media channels over the course of the next three weeks to highlight to the public how they can safeguard their bikes and equipment.

The first video will focus on the break-in that happened to Scotty’s workshop and the consequences this incident had on his ability to work and how he viewed his own security.

The next two videos will feature crime prevention and security advice to help stop members of the public falling victim to bike thefts.

Superintendent Claire Dobson from Police Scotland’s Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing Division, said: “We know that cycling is a popular form of exercise and transport in Scotland, bikes are also an attractive option for opportunistic criminals looking for an easy target to steal and subsequently profit from.

“We now also see high-value bikes being stolen to order by organised crime groups and it is absolutely essential that we equip the public with all the necessary advice and guidance they need to safeguard their bikes and cycling equipment.

“I am grateful to Scotty Laughland for working alongside us to create these videos and would urge not only Scotland’s communities, but all of those visiting the country for the UCI World Championship cycling events, to view this content and our crime prevention advice to ensure they know how they can best secure their bikes and wherever they are stored.”

Scotty Laughland added: “The impact of bike theft for myself and my family has been far reaching. I would advise anyone to take the advice offered by Police Scotland and ensure your bikes and equipment are secured at home, whilst travelling and during use.”

Police Scotland’s bike theft advice can be viewed by visiting:

https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/events/cycling-world-championships-2023/bike-safety-advice/