NCA Launches Cybercrime Campaign As Average Age Falls to 17

Derbyshire police are supporting a campaign to discourage young people involving themselves in cybercrime after average age is revealed.

A campaign to discourage young people from becoming involved in cybercrime has been launched after the National Crime Agency revealed the average age of suspects involved in cybercrime offences was just 17 over the past 12 months. The #CyberChoices campaign aims to educate parents of 12 to 15-year-olds, who may not be aware that their children are involved in hacking and other cybercrime offences.

Richard Jones, head of the National Cyber Crime Unit's Prevent team, said:

"We have aimed the campaign initially at parents, because we know from research that they often are unaware of what their children are doing online.

"These individuals are really bright and have real potential to go on to exciting and fulfilling jobs but, by choosing the criminal path, they can move from low-level 'pranking' to higher level cyber-crime quite quickly, sometimes without even considering that what they're doing is against the law.

"We want these young people, and their parents, to understand that choosing that path can result in a criminal record, can limit their choices for their future and can put restrictions on their daily lives, including the loss of access to the internet."

The average age of cyber-criminals has fallen to just 17 years old, compared with last year's age of 24.

If you've been arrested and charged with a cybercrime offence, contact our criminal solicitors on 01159 419 141 for advice.

The Johnson Partnership

Criminal Solicitors