Next week is 'Get Safe Online' week, highlighting the dangers posed by online criminals who look to steal your data or money, targeting individuals and businesses.

Cyber crime is one of the biggest challenges policing here in Lancashire, as it is across the country, and I am pleased to launch my Be Cyber Wise campaign to help those people and businesses most at risk of becoming a victim of online crime to understand the techniques and how to protect themselves.

Online crime accounts for over half of all crime committed each and every day. This figure is only going to increase and it is not a problem that police can arrest their way out of – preventing these crimes happening in the first place has to be the focus if we are going to safeguard against this threat.

By encouraging individuals and organisations to Be Cyber Wise on the common ways criminals target them, alongside advice on how to protect themselves, the risk of becoming a victim can be greatly lowered.

The campaign also highlights how important it is to report if you have been a victim of cyber crime or fraud, which can be done through Action Fraud. As a national and international issue, reporting helps to build up a picture of emerging threats and all information plays a part in stopping online crime and catching those responsible. You can report to Action Fraud by clicking here.

Visit [becyberwise.org]becyberwise.org to find more information about the risks online criminals pose, some of the tactics they use and how to stay safe online. The site also offers help and advice about reporting a crime and how to access support if you are a victim through Lancashire Victim Services.