Net crimes show huge variation

A SNAPSHOT of the three-year Humberside Police log relating to complaints concerning social media, gives an insight into the large and varied number of alleged crimes forces now have to deal with.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Sep 2012, 07:00 BST

Officers say investigating complaints can be a lengthy process and it is necessary to obtain screenshots of the web page on which an alleged offence has occurred.

It can also prove difficult to identify offenders in certain cases, as well as securing a conviction in the courts.

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The reports made to Humberside Police between 2009 and 2012 include:

Threats made on Facebook after a relationship break up.

Threats made on Facebook after a man in thrown out of the pub.

Man who has lost his phone is contacted on Facebook and asked for money for the return of the phone.

Fake messages left on a school computer claiming the school is closed.

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£200 sent for a buggy advertised on Facebook via a bank transfer but buggy is never delivered.

Mobile phone purchased via Facebook stops working after two days. Phone had actually been stolen.

Threatening message regarding a court case warning of assault if woman gives evidence.

Complaints over racial comments and also attacks on people’s sexuality.

Mother of a child with Down’s Syndrome complains over Facebook page devoted to mocking people with the condition.

Fake Facebook accounts set up inviting derogatory comments from work colleagues.