Crimes regarding online computer games
4th June 2025
Our Ref: FOI2025/04080
Request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Ref No: FOI2025/04080
I write in connection with your request for information received on 12th May. I note you seek access to the following information:
I am writing to make an open government request for all the information to which I am entitled under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
1. For 2024
a. 1. Using the key words ‘Roblox’, ‘Fortnite’, ‘Clash of Clans’, ‘world of Warcraft’, ‘Minecraft’ and ‘FIFA’, the number of reports of crimes involving online computer games.
b. The category of offence under which the report was logged - for example sexual activity of a child under 13
2. For 2023
a. 1. Using the key words ‘Roblox’, ‘Fortnite’, ‘Clash of Clans’, ‘world of Warcraft’, ‘Minecraft’ and ‘FIFA’, the number of reports of crimes involving online computer games.
b. The category of offence under which the report was logged - for example sexual activity of a child under 13
3. For 2022
a. 1. Using the key words ‘Roblox’, ‘Fortnite’, ‘Clash of Clans’, ‘world of Warcraft’, ‘Minecraft’ and ‘FIFA’, the number of reports of crimes involving online computer games.
b. The category of offence under which the report was logged - for example sexual activity of a child under 13
Please can I have these sent to me electronically on a spreadsheet.
I am required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (The Act) to handle all requests in a manner that is blind to the identity of the requestor. Any information released in response to a request is regarded as being published and therefore, in the public domain without caveat.
Response: Following searches conducted on the crime recording system of the Constabulary please see our response below.#
Q1
|
Year |
Crime Reports (Online Comp. Games) |
|
2022 |
17 |
|
2023 |
21 |
|
2024 |
17 |
|
55 |
|
|
Using the specific keyword searches as per the request |
|
Q2
|
Category |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
ASSAULT WITH INJURY |
1 |
3 |
4 |
8 |
|
ASSAULT WITHOUT INJURY |
4 |
5 |
2 |
11 |
|
BLACKMAIL |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
CONTROLLING OR COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
CRIMINAL DAMAGE - RESIDENTIAL |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
HARASSMENT |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
MALICIOUS COMMUNICATIONS |
3 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
|
OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS ETC |
3 |
|
4 |
7 |
|
OTHER CRIMINAL DAMAGE |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
RAPE OF A FEMALE CHILD UNDER 13 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
RAPE OF A MALE CHILD UNDER 13 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
SEXUAL ACTIVITY CHILD UNDER 13 |
2 |
|
|
2 |
|
SEXUAL ACTIVITY CHILD UNDER 16 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
SEXUAL ASSAULT ON A F 13 OR OVER |
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
SEXUAL GROOMING |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
SHOPLIFTING |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
THEFT OR UNAUTH TAKING OF PEDAL CYCLE |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
17 |
21 |
17 |
55 |
The numerical data presented in this response is an un-audited snapshot of un-published data sourced from "live" systems and is subject to the interpretation of the original request by the individual extracting the data.