The Staffordshire Victim Gateway have now received training to help victims of cyber related fraud and online crime across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Staff at the Staffordshire Victim Gateway now have greater support so they can help victims of cybercrime. The Gateway has been provided with information on the affect cybercrime can have on a person and how to recover from a cyber-attack. This information will allow them to provide greater support to victims of cybercrime.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold said: “The internet and its development brings opportunity but has also brought new, changing threats from crime and criminals.
“The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated that around 5.8 million fraud and computer misuse offences took place between July 2015 and July 2016. Businesses and people across Staffordshire must take steps to protect themselves online in order to reduce the opportunities for criminals.
“Being a victim of cybercrime as well as traditional crime can be truly damaging and have a lasting impact on feelings of safety and wellbeing. It is vital that we offer better support for victims of cybercrime and that is exactly what the Victim Gateway will be doing. Remember, what is illegal offline is illegal online.”
Further information
The Staffordshire Victim Gateway, which is a UK first, was launched in September 2015 by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to place victims back at the heart of the criminal justice system across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The PCC commissioned Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to provide the Gateway which offers a tailored and free service for victims. The Gateway gives timely advice and emotional and practical support to victims in a way that meets their needs.
Cybercrime is a crime such as fraud, bullying, theft or grooming that is committed online using a device that can access the web, such as smartphones, tablets, computers or other devices. Cybercrime also includes crimes against your computer or device such as contaminating or corrupting it with viruses or taking-over your social media profile, email account or your website.
Cybercrime is a growing area of concern across the country with people and businesses becoming victims and losing money. But the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire and Staffordshire Police are taking action and have recently launched the Cyber Safe Staffordshire campaign to raise awareness about cybercrime and how people and businesses can protect themselves and their families online.
