A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud following police searches at two properties in the Newtownards area on Wednesday, 4 February.

The operation was conducted by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Branch.

The arrest is part of a wider, ongoing investigation into economic crime, supported by Operation Henhouse—a National Economic Crime Centre initiative.

Detective Inspector Harris, from the PSNI's Economic Crime Unit, said: "Our investigations into fraud related crime, are a priority for us all year round, however, taking part in a period of intensified activity such as Operation Henhouse allows us to put the serious issue of economic crime, firmly in the spotlight. "It highlights our concerted efforts to tackle and disrupt the activities of criminals, not just here in Northern Ireland, but throughout the UK. Working together with partner agencies, we will continue to work tirelessly to crackdown on fraudulent activities.

"We also rely upon the support of members of the public, and I'm keen to take every opportunity to ask you, if you have any information or concerns, to please speak to us. You can call us on 101 or contact, with total anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The man has since been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Operation Henhouse is managed in partnership with the City of London Police to provide funding that allows forces to undertake additional activity against fraudsters. This work also supports the national "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign.