Cybercrime

Cybercrime is any crime that involves a computer, the internet or related technology. Cybercrimes can be:

• directed at computers or other devices (for example, hacking)
• where computers or other devices are integral to the offence (for example, online fraud, identity theft)

The effect of cybercrime can be extremely upsetting for victims, and not necessarily just for financial reasons. Victims may feel that their privacy has been violated, and that they are powerless.

You can find further information about cybercrime from Derbyshire police and Safer Derbyshire.

Cyber Choices toolkit

National research suggests that 61% of hackers began hacking before the age of 16, but some may be as young as 10, with estimates showing that 1 in 4 teenagers have tried some form of cybercrime (many without realising it).

Do you work with young people or vulnerable young adults in Derbyshire? If so, it’s likely that the majority of them will be tech savvy but, can you identify when that interest in IT becomes a concern and puts them at risk of committing cybercrime? Do you know how you can help them?

Cyber Choices is an early intervention programme, developed by the National Crime Agency and delivered by the Cyber Choices teams at Derbyshire Constabulary and the Regional Cyber Crime Unit.

In conjunction with the Police, Derbyshire Community Safety Unit has produced the Cyber Choices toolkit to help professionals spot the possible signs that someone is involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in cybercrime.