Computer Crimes Unit

Does Cheshire have a dedicated computer crimes unit?

Is there a breakdown of the types of computer crime investigated and what is the breakdown?

How many charges are brought following investigations for computer crime?

How many convictions are secured as a result of these charges?

What percentage of the convictions are at summary level and what percentage are dealt with on indictment?

Is there information available on sanctions imposed?

As your request stands we would not be able to offer any meaningful answers to assist you in your studies.

Question 1 is easy enough, the answer is yes. The questions relating to computer crime are however a bit vague. The methods by which people commit crime are of course varied but the crime doesn't vary, its laid out in statute. The statistical information that we have relates to the crime regardless of the method.

The only crime that I can think of that is pretty specific to a computer is down loading child pornography. For that offence alone we could give some statistical data but I don't think it would be particularly helpful.

For all other crime whether or not a computer was used is not information that we could retrieve within the FOI cost limits, if it available at all.

As all your questions relate to the same topic I am afraid I cannot offer you a workable solution. If you want to re think your questions or If I can be of any further assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.