Internet used to commit at least 20 per cent of sexual crimes in 2016/17
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A new review of cyber crime in Scotland estimates that the internet was used commit at least 20 per cent of sexual crimes in Scotland in 2016/17.
Crimes committed online tend to revolve around non-contact offending though use of the internet may also be a precursor to crimes committed in person.
Both the number and proportion of police-recorded ‘other sexual crimes’ which were cyber-enabled – internet used as a means to commit the crime – has increased.
In 2016/17, 51 per cent of ‘other sexual crimes’ were cyber-enabled, up from 38 per cent in 2013/14.
Commenting on the findings, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This report shows how the internet and new technologies can impact on the scale and nature of criminal activity across Scotland.
“While fraud, online sexual crimes and computer misuse such as hacking might be the most obvious examples of cyber crime, we must remain vigilant at all times while online.
“The Policing 2026 strategy acknowledged the need to respond to new challenges in crime and Police Scotland are committed to recruiting more civilian cyber specialists to ensure they have the right mix of skills in place to counter the threat posed by cyber crime.”
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