Councils alert as cyber crime rises

CYBER crime has risen by 14% in the North East with more than 9,000 reports made to police in a year. Cyber crime is a term for various crimes which either take place online or where technology is a means and/or target for the attack.

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

In an ever-growing digital world, crimes online are becoming more prevalent with criminals seeking to take advantage of victims through their mobile phone or computer screen.

A report, due to be scrutinised by councillors across the North East, has found an increase from May 2024 to May this year in reported cyber crime. Northumbria Police have marked a jump from 7,922 incidents to 9,023 reported crimes.

High-profile incidents of cyber crime include online criminals targeting Gateshead Council in January this year, putting residents’ personal data at risk.

The incident occurred in the early hours of January 8, and sparked an investigation by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit, a collaboration between Cleveland, Durham, and Northumbria Police.