Fraud and cyber crime figures have been included in official crime statistics for the first time, with the release of the latest Crime Survey for England and Wales.

Some 3.6 million fraud and two million computer misuse offences took place in England and Wales in the year to September 2016, along with 6.2 million 'traditional' crimes.

Rob Cotton, CEO at NCC Group, said: 'We welcome the fact that cyber crime will now be included in official crime figures. This type of activity poses a huge threat to both businesses and consumers alike, but without accurate data it's difficult to grasp the real scale of the problem.

'However, we still need to guard against complacency and it's unrealistic to expect the police to provide complete protection.

'It's up to the private sector to be proactive in prioritising cyber defences and consumers must educate themselves on the risks too. If this doesn't happen then the figures will no doubt rise every year.'

Published date: 20 January 2017

NCC Group plc published this content on 20 January 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 20 January 2017 10:24:04 UTC.

Original documenthttps://www.nccgroup.trust/uk/about-us/newsroom-and-events/news/2017/january/ncc-group-welcomes-introduction-of-cyber-crime-statistics/

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