2009-06-24

By Editor, CIR

Online crime is moving up the police agenda, with proposals for forces to set up regional cybercrime squads similar to those dealing with anti-terror operations, reports the FT.

The paper adds that senior officers are sensitive to claims they are not doing enough to combat three million annual cases of online crime and the plans are being "actively pursued" by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Online fraud worldwide is now an industry worth more than GBP50 billion a year. Although there is no agreed figure for the UK, hackers have attacked important services and businesses in this country. Three London hospitals have come under attack and one police force outside London had its system shut down for five days.

The national e-crime strategy includes specialist regional police squads and plans to train police officers in dealing with complaints of cybercrime. However, the initiative needs to be ratified by the association's senior members.

Senior officers admit that they have failed so far to devise a coherent means to tackle online criminals. Efforts are hampered by a lack of co-ordination between forces and a lack of expertise among officers.

The strategy will be overseen by Janet Williams, head of intelligence and covert policing at the Metropolitan Police, who has also taken the lead on Scotland Yard's e-crime unit.

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