Full level of UK corruption revealed as cops count cyber scams as offences for first time
Figures estimate 11.8m crimes were committed during one year as total number provoked by soaring numbers of web swindles and credit card scams.
THE true scale of crime was finally revealed last night after officials counted cyber offences for the first time.
Figures estimate 11.8 million crimes were committed in the year to September.
The total was driven by soaring numbers of web swindles and credit card scams.
Fraud is now the most common crime in England and Wales, with 3.6 million cases, the Office for National Statistics study shows. More than half of these — 1.9 million — were entirely cyber-related, although there was also a 39 per cent rise in credit and debit card fraud.
There were also two million computer misuse offences last year — which include hacking and spreading viruses.
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Critics have long blasted official figures as out of date as they failed to include online crime.
Last night outgoing Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe blamed government cuts, claiming “warning lights are flashing”.
He said: “The scale of online crime and fraud is just becoming apparent.”
Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor said: “The amount of fraud is probably in epidemic proportions. The police have to work very, very hard to keep up with even the ones they know about.”
Police recorded crime figures showed an eight per cent rise in overall crime, with violent crime soaring by 22 per cent.
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said: “Instead of preparing the police for crime in the 21st century, the Tories slashed their budgets by a quarter. Working people deserve better.”
Policing and Fire Minister Brandon Lewis said: “This Government is taking world-leading action to stamp out fraud and cyber crime.”