CYBER crimes will start being logged by police following a spike in online harassment and fraud.

Greater Manchester Police will start officially recording crime committed online from April.

Officers believe the increase is due to the large amount of retail and banking transactions taking place on the internet and people communicating through social media.

They have also seen a rise in reports of cyber bullying and cyber stalking.

The force is backing Safer Internet Day following the increase in incidents.

Police will be supporting the international awareness event by joining forces with schools and businesses to help promote safety online.

Officers will be giving online safety tips via social media networks and Det Supt Mark Smith will be holding a chat on Twitter this afternoon.

Videos featuring police cadets giving advice about how to protect personal information and how to block inappropriate content will also be show on the force’s social media pages.

Det Supt Smith said: “Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to have a conversation with parents and children about staying safe online.

“Although social media sites are used in a positive way by most people, there are those whose sole aim is to bully and intimidate others, and there are occasions where we have to intervene.

“Some people use the anonymity available online to be rude or threatening, but I would remind them that there is a common sense line between exercising freedom of speech or making a humorous comment and committing a criminal offence.

“Just because you can’t physically see someone doesn’t mean they’ll find a comment any less hurtful, abusive, threatening or offensive, and we will track down those who abuse others. “ He said criminals can be traced more easily on the internet due to new skills.

For details visit saferinternet.org/safer-internet-day or getsafeonline.org for safety tips.