July 18th 2016
This Wednesday, Get Safe Online is getting together with Durham Constabulary’s new Digital Intelligence & Investigation Team and the Safe Durham Partnership to host an online safety event in Durham’s City Centre. The general public and businesses are welcome to come along and talk to experts about their concerns and experiences when it comes to using the internet. The event will be held between 10am and 5pm in the Market Place and Town Hall.
You can learn more about online banking and online shopping from NatWest and Tesco. Kapersky, the internet security software specialist will also be on hand to check your phones, tables and laptops for malicious software. Detectives from Durham Constabulary will be on hand to give advice about how to protect against online threats, as well as a talk from DC Jonathan Stoker regarding the new worldwide phenomenon, virtual game, Pokemon GO. Police dogs Jet and Ben will be giving advice to younger children about e-safety. There will also be a treasure hunt in the market place, the chance to win tickets for Silverstone by racing on a Ferrari simulator and Durham’s Police Interceptors from the television will be coming along too.
Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Heckles said: “We have always had a cybercrime team within the wider CID function but the emerging crime patterns and trends over recent months have pointed towards a substantial growth in this type of offence. In response to this, we have set up this new dedicated team comprising digital specialists to enable Durham Constabulary to provide a digital neighbourhood policing presence and response. Working with agencies from The Safe Durham Partnership we will educate not only the public but the business community too.”
DCI Heckles continued: “The Get Safe Online in Durham event is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to meet the new team and other organisations and learn the best ways to use the internet securely. As well as the important educational messages it also promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family, in the heart of the city.”
Rachael Shimmin, Corporate Director for Children and Adult Services at Durham County Council, said: “As the use of technology and the internet grows in society, there is more risk of people becoming victims. The Get Safe Online event gives everyone the opportunity to learn more about computer crime, digital threats, online fraud and more importantly how to stay safe online to avoid these scams.”
The force’s new digital team – overseen by DCI Heckles – has been set up to tackle the new and emerging threat of computer crime, digital threats and online fraud. The unit will be based at Chester-le-Street and comprises specially trained detectives and police staff headed up by a Detective Inspector. It will not only investigate digital crime, but will also gather intelligence and stay up to-date with the latest digital threats, viruses and scams. This information will then be shared with the public in the hope they don’t become the next victims of online fraudsters.
