Commissioner Grunshaw calls for greater online protections. He shared his plan to tackle rising cyber crime.
The plan includes an education program for Lancashire schools. They will also develop a county-wide cybersecurity program. Online crime is increasing rapidly, it seems. Cyber enables about 90% of all offenses.
Police forces must invest in keeping ahead of criminals. Preventing people from becoming victims is also vital. Grunshaw says digital offenses are a major problem now. They target vulnerable people who are online.
Lancashire police are investing in digital investigation teams. They use programs such as Pol-Ed, too. It teaches about online risks. Online problems are both a national and global issue.
Lancashire officers work with other forces often. They cooperate with the Regional Organised Crime Unit. The National Crime Agency helps bring offenders to justice.
Grunshaw wants government help to tackle online risks. Social media platforms must remove dangerous content. They need to protect the public from offenders more. A complete system will address online risks effectively. Vulnerable people can be safe on the internet then. Hackers won’t be able to target businesses easily.
Grunshaw will work with the government when he can. He wants to reflect concerns facing Lancashire. He wants an efficient police force. It needs to be ready for modern challenges.
Pol-Ed has started in 217 schools, both primary and secondary. It provides support and lesson plans for young people. The police are supporting schools with registration and delivery.
Online crime also affects Lancashire businesses greatly. The North West Cyber Resilience Centre hopes to fix this. 167 organizations joined their program. Ninety people trained with them. Several businesses assessed their websites.
Grunshaw supports people who call for protecting vulnerable people. Online platforms need to be more transparent, he stated. Also, there must be more protections from harmful materials.