Are you up to date with online safety?
Today is #SaferInternetDay.
Visit www.saferinternetday.org to see how you can keep, yourself and others safe on the internet.
Cumbria Police have been working with a local artist to create a story, based on a real-life scenario, of the dangers of young people sharing indecent images online.
The cartoon will be used to raise awareness of support services available should a young person find themselves in a similar situation. It is also a stark reminder of how easily and quickly an image can spread across the internet, which can leave the victim feeling humiliated, vulnerable and depressed.
Sergeant Mitch Franks, one of Cumbria’s Child Centred Policing Team sergeants, said:
“To parents reading this cartoon, this cartoon represents the reality for a lot of children and young people who are not aware of the perils of sharing images online. We feel that our children and young people make good decisions to protect themselves in the community, but it is also imperative that they understand the nature of an ‘online community’.
“To the children reading this cartoon, I hope this offers you the understanding that there is an ‘online community’ and that the same good decisions you make in the ‘real world’ should also be taken in the ‘virtual one’. Please remember once an image is online, it will always be online."
If you're worried about something a child or young person may have experienced online or are looking for advice on privacy settings, parental controls and more, call the NSPCC online safety helpline on 0808 800 5002.
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Cyber and digital police unit continues to protect the public
Our cyber and digital crime unit continues to protect the public and catch criminals operating online, assisting or leading more than 370 cases since its launch.
The unit, funded by Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, began operating in spring 2019, with investment made in additional specialist services at the constabulary to deter digital criminals and help the victims they target.
Since then the unit has assisted with 132 cyber crimes and 240 investigations into online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The figures are highlighted today on Safer Internet Day, demonstrating the work going on in Cumbria to stop and deter cyber criminals, helping keep people safe in the process.
In one of the latest results from cases the unit investigated, a man was jailed in recent weeks for eight years and had a five year extended licence period imposed on him after admitting 14 charges at Carlisle Crown Court.
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Darren Chambers, 31, of Tomlin Avenue, Whitehaven was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life after pleading guilty to attempting to engage a child in sexual communication, breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and making indecent photographs of a child.
The work of the unit has continued as usual throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Detective Inspector Ian Harwood is head of the Cyber and Digital Crime Unit.
He said: “Our specialist officers continue their proactive work to deal with online offending and to help and safeguard those who are exploited.
“This is a dedicated unit staffed to deal with these type of offences - and I can reassure the people of Cumbria that the team is working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to keep children and other people safe, as well as track down anyone exploiting them.
“The recent case of Chambers is a good example of the type of offender we aim to stop.
“This was a complex investigation and the strength of digital evidence was such that this manipulative predator had no option but to plead guilty at Carlisle Crown Court."
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What does the unit do to protect the people of Cumbria?
The unit investigates and pursues offenders, as well as helping businesses and people protect themselves from attack.
Crimes tackled by the unit include online sex crimes such as sharing, viewing and downloading indecent images, including where there is sexual abuse of a child.
It covers offences such as hacking, digital fraud and online exploitation.
The unit also forensically examines digital devices seized during police investigations.
Behind the scenes, these types of crimes can involve long and complex investigations, including detailed examination of digital equipment.
Offenders often do not live in county boundaries.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Technology is advancing so quickly and so criminals are using online methods to target vulnerable and trusting people.
“This is why I funded the Cyber and Digital Crime Unit in Cumbria Constabulary – so that we have a team of experts to help prevent and catch cyber criminals.
“It’s hard to believe that online child sexual exploitation is taking place in our communities but unfortunately it is, which is why it’s so important that we talk to our children about what they should not share online, especially when talking to someone they have never met.
“The Cyber and Digital Crime Unit are doing a fantastic job and I know that they will continue to prevent and stop crime in Cumbria and help make the county a safer place for all.”
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Online child sex offences
Stopping and catching perpetrators of this type of crime is a key part of the unit's work.
Speaking generally on online child sex offences, DI Harwood added: “Cumbria Constabulary is committed to pursuing those individuals who choose to commit online offences against children.
“We will not tolerate it and we will robust in our pursuit, making use of the most advanced technologies available.
“Behind every illegal image of a child is a victim of child sexual abuse and exploitation – something that many never recover from due to the trauma and impact on their lives.
“Those people considering going down this criminal and abusive pathway need to think: STOP IT NOW.
“They need to consider the impact their actions will have on child victims and their own families, who are often devastated and left to pick up the pieces.
“People who are considering this type of offending are advised to seek help from someone they trust – or contact support agencies out there.”
These include the Samaritans and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a charity dedicated to tackling child sexual abuse.
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Support agencies can also be found at www.cumbriatogether.com.
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Having a mobile phone and going online is great for lots of reasons. But it's important to be aware of the dangers and protect yourself.
Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk for online safety advice for all ages.
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Need advice?
- Think about placing restriction settings on online devices. Find out more at www.thinkuknow.co.uk
- Explain to children that it’s easy for people to lie about age, gender, interests online and children should never arrange to meet someone without an adult who they trust
- Make sure children or young people know that once they share personal details online, including pictures, they lose control over where these may end up.
- Keep security settings on social media at high levels
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Information on how the internet & related technologies can be used to harm people in a deliberate, repeated, & hostile manner.
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Visit our Get Safe Online website for resources & information about protecting yourself, your family, your devices and your business online.
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Although the web is a place of considerable knowledge and development it can also be the root of some serious dangers.
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Advice and information to help keep all your gadgets safe.
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Basic online safety tips to protect you and your computer from hacking. Includes information about Action Fraud.
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Tips and advice for keeping children safe on Pokémon Go
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