FIGHTING cybercrime is a full-time job for one Dorset police officer who is celebrating a year in post this month.

Jake Moore took up the role as a cyber-crime prevention officer for Dorset Police last August and since then has been helping educate members of the public on how to protect themselves against online crime.

In the last 12-months Jake has delivered more than 100 talks to 3500 of the county’s residents to equip them with the technical knowledge to stay safe online.

Officer Moore said: “The majority of cyber-crime and fraud is preventable. Verifying email links and attachments before you open them, making passwords long and unique, and backing up all your valuable data, will go a long way to keeping you safe online.

"It is frustrating to see so many crimes happening that could have been prevented. There are many quick fixes that are easy to implement that will go a long way in keeping you safe from cyber-crime.”

According to Dorset Police, evidence shows that 80 per cent of fraud and cyber-crime is preventable.

The Cyber-Crime Unit works to ensure that the force provides a quality response to all forms of online crime while Officer Moore has taken on the mantel of preventing crimes in the first instance.

This includes conducting educational talks and online safety guidance for schools, businesses and community centres.

Various engagement methods are used to reach as many individuals as possible such as the new cyber-crime YouTube channel which provides information on current trends and prevention techniques.

Dorset was one of the first counties in the country to appoint a specialised police offer to fight the increasing threat of cyber-crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill said: “Cyber issues weren’t a key focus in my previous Police and Crime Plan for Dorset, but now, in response to the emergence of this growing crime area and subsequent concerns from local people and businesses, we have a dedicated cyber-crime prevention officer.

"Jake has educated over 3,500 people in just 10 months on online safety measures we can take. This is a fantastic resource for Dorset and I look forward to seeing how Jake’s expertise will continue to benefit local people.”

For more information about cyber-crime and prevention techniques please go to our website dorset.police.uk/cybercrime. You can also follow us on Twitter @DP_CyberCrime, Facebook @DorsetPoliceCyberCrime or on our Dorset Police Cyber-Crime Unit YouTube channel.