More online abuse and malicious communications offences were recorded by Cumbria Constabulary in 2021 than the year before, new figures show.

Online abuse has been in the spotlight in recent years, particularly following high-profile events such as England's European Championship loss last year, which saw racist abuse directed at some players on social media.

In the UK, two main offences cover online abuse – section 127 offences, which specifically relate to digital technology, and section one of the Malicious Communications Act 1988, which also covers 'old-fashioned' ways of communicating, such as letters and phone calls, but is often used for online harassment.

Figures obtained by RADAR through a freedom of information request show 371 crimes were recorded by Cumbria Constabulary last year across both offences – up 12% from 331 the year before.

In 2021, 236 crimes were for section 127 offences, and 135 were under the Malicious Communications Act.

The same figures show there were 122 prosecutions across both offences in Cumbria in 2021 – the highest number since at least 2005, when figures are first available.

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Acting Detective Superintendent at Cumbria Police, Dave Cooper of the Specialist Crime Command said:

“With many of us increasingly living parts of our lives online, malicious communication and online abuse has also seen an increase across the Country and in Cumbria.

“Cumbria Police take reports of malicious communication and online abuse seriously and where offences are identified, we will investigate.

“Abusing someone from your keyboard or in a text may feel harmless at the time but it has the same impact on your victim as if you abused them in person.

“Threats or abuse through any communication channel is unacceptable and could result in you facing prosecution and a criminal record.

“Making threats or abusing someone ‘online’ or across the telephone network doesn’t provide protection or immunity from prosecution - If your actions would be an offence on the street, then it’s an offence online.

“Anyone who is the victim of online threats or abuse should contact the police so any crimes can be investigated and digital safeguarding advice provided.”

 

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