Revealed: 69 Facebook Related Crimes Across North Wales

A Freedom of Information Request put in to North Wales Police has revealed the 69 crimes linked to the social networking site Facebook which have taken place across North Wales since 2009.

The request, which was sent in by a member of the public read:

“I would like to know how many reports of crime have been made which in some way relate to the internet site Facebook.

“I would also like a breakdown of the nature of these crimes (ie were they complaints of harassment, assault, sexual offences, theft, burglary etc) and whether they resulted in convictions.

“Can I have this information separately for 2009, 2010 and so far this year please.”

In their breakdown of results North Wales Police revealed that in 2009 there had been 16 crimes relating to the site, 35 in 2010 and that there had already been 18 crimes relating to the social networking site up to the 30th April this year.

Amongst the Facebook related offences listed were assault without injury, perverting the course of justice, harassment and wounding.

Facebook related crime has been well publicised in the media and is often blamed by concerned parents for an increase in bullying outside the school yard.

In June this year a teenager who robbed a service station using an imitation firearm in Ewloe, Deeside was caught out after bragging about the offence on Facebook. Mold Crown Court later sentenced him to three years youth detention.

In perhaps one of the most extreme instances of social networking related crime, in 2009 George Appleton from Manchester met and subsequently killed a young mother who he met through the site, leading him to be dubbed “The Facebook Killer”.

To see a break down of the figures in full go to http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/72023/response/184562/attach/html/5/2011%20263%20Published%20Response.pdf.html

Do you think that social networking related crime is becoming an increasing problem? Leave a comment in the box below.