POLICE are launching a major new survey to find out how cyber crime is affecting people across the region.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) for West Mercia, Warwickshire and the West Midlands have joined forces with Warwickshire County Council to launch the second annual cyber crime survey.

The survey asks residents to share their experiences of online crime through a series of 36 questions. The information gathered will give the PCCs a better picture of online crime in their areas and help to shape services.

John Campion, West Mercia’s PCC, said: “Cyber is an emerging area of crime and it is important to understand how it is impacting our communities if we are going to be effective in tackling it.

“This survey will help ensure we listen to our communities and can focus our work on the biggest priorities. We must have an agile, dynamic approach to cyber crime though to ensure our work keeps pace with new cyber threats.”

Launched in Warwickshire last year, the survey showed nearly a quarter of a million people felt at risk online, but 2.4 per cent had no idea how to protect themselves while using the internet.

It revealed more than half of respondents had been targeted by phishing scams, with one in 10 going on to become victims.

It also showed under 18s are most targeted for online harassment or bullying, with women targeted twice as much as men.

Councillor John Horner, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, said: “Cyber crime is a growing community safety issue as victims can be seriously affected, not just financially but also emotionally, with feelings of depression, and sometimes worse, as a result.

“The economic impact on local businesses of cyber crime is also something that cannot be underestimated.”

West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police have together launched the #BeCyberSmart campaign in a bid to raise awareness of how members of the public can stay safe online.

To take part in the survey, visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RegionalCyber16