Cybercrime, or crimes performed over the internet or electronically, is becoming the most common type of criminal offence registered in Alcoy. In the first half of this year, 343 reports were filed, a 5.2% increase over the same period last year, implying that two reports were filed every day for this reason.
This rate increases the total amount of recorded crimes committed online over the first six months of this year to 30%, including the 1,145 registered criminal offences, according to Ministry of the Interior data. These offences are far from other crimes perpetrated in Alcoy; for example, in the first half of this year, 115 robberies and 193 thefts were reported, accounting for 10% and 17%, respectively.
Because cyber crimes have been more prevalent in recent years, they will now be included in the Ministry’s crime reports beginning in 2022. Since then, they have increased by six percentage points, from 24% to 30% of all offences. Although they were not previously documented, some numbers are accessible for reference. For example, in Alcoy, 359 internet crimes were registered in 2019, which is about the same amount as today in six months.
The most common cybercrimes are online purchases in risky locations, phishing emails that assault bank passwords, and similar mobile phone communications. They range from scams, such as non-delivery of items, to fraudulent credit card charges. Their investigation and resolution are complicated because many of them take place outside of the country.
In addition to the campaigns, law enforcement and specialised professionals frequently speak at elder centres, neighbourhood and business organisations to educate both citizens and businesses.
Author: Derek Appleton
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