A recent study has highlighted the urgent need for Police Scotland to enhance its efforts in supporting victims of cybercrime, as the prevalence of such crimes continues to rise across the nation. The findings reveal significant gaps in reporting, victim support, and investigative capacity, raising concerns about the ability of law enforcement to address this growing threat effectively.
The latest data shows that cybercrime in Scotland has surged by 13% in the past year, with an estimated 16,890 cases recorded in 2023-24—more than double the figures from 2019-20.
Despite this increase, cybercrime remains vastly underreported, with many victims perceiving incidents as low-impact or uncertain about where to seek help.
A report by the Scottish Police Authority acknowledges that “we simply cannot arrest our way out of the problem,” emphasising a need for multi-agency collaboration and resource allocation to combat cyber-enabled crimes effectively.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn stated: “Cybercrime is one of the biggest growing operational demands on Police Scotland. Traditional crimes now have a digital footprint, which requires a new approach to policing in the digital age.”
The study also highlights a troubling lack of support for victims. Many victims report feeling abandoned after incidents, with few resources available to guide them through recovery. A 2021/22 survey found that while 16.1% of internet users in Scotland had experienced cyber fraud or misuse, most incidents were not reported to authorities.
Experts are urging Police Scotland to implement several measures:
- Improved Reporting Mechanisms: Simplified systems for victims to report cybercrimes.
- Specialized Training: Enhanced training for frontline officers to handle complex digital investigations.
- Victim Support Services: Establishing dedicated helplines and advisory services for cybercrime victims.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens on recognizing and reporting online threats.
The Scottish Government’s Cyber Strategy aims to make Scotland a leader in digital safety, but critics argue that implementation has been slow. The strategy includes initiatives like Cyber Kiosks for evidence processing and partnerships with private organisations for capacity building.
A Call to Action
As cybercrime continues to evolve, experts warn that failing to address these challenges could leave Scotland vulnerable. The study concludes that “a whole-system approach” is essential, combining law enforcement, government agencies, and private sector expertise to tackle this pressing issue.
With public trust at stake and digital threats on the rise, Police Scotland faces mounting pressure to act decisively and ensure that victims are no longer left behind in the fight against cybercrime.
