Crimes related to social media site TikTok have soared in Cornwall in the last three years, according to new data. These alleged offences include stalking, violence and sexual offences.
New figures obtained by Legal Expert via Freedom of Information requests to all police forces in England and Wales revealed more than 140,000 crimes have been linked to the social media site since 2021. It found that Devon and Cornwall Police recorded just a single offence related to TikTok in 2021, but this year a staggering 143 alleged crimes have been logged - up from 34 in 2022/23.
Despite the rise, no charges have been made this year and police failed to identify a suspect in the majority of cases (72 per cent) between 2023/24. Across England and Wales, ‘evidential difficulties’ are most commonly cited as preventing further police action - meaning crimes are often left unresolved.
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Legal Expert solicitor, Jane Davies said: “Some of the offences recorded by police forces linked to TikTok are extremely disturbing and worrying. What’s more worrying, is that lack of evidence preventing further police action seems to be extremely common.”
A total of 178 alleged criminal offences associated with TikTok have been recorded by Devon and Cornwall Police in the last three years, with figures skyrocketing year after year. In the last year alone (between 2023/24), the force logged 103 alleged offences of stalking and harassment linked to the app, as well as nine sexual offences.
A further eight possible theft crimes were also recorded along with six counts of violence without injury. In the last year, no charges have been made for crimes linked to TikTok.
Devon and Cornwall Police most commonly cited ‘evidential difficulties’ as preventing further police action. There can be many reasons for evidential difficulties including that the victim has withdrawn their support in pursuing the case.
However, in 2023/24 alone, figures show the force failed to identify a suspect in 72 per cent (35) of TikTok-related crimes and the investigation was deemed complete. Separately, there were 28 instances where the suspect was identified but ‘evidential difficulties’ prevented further police action as well as 11 other cases where the victim withdrew support.
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Devon and Cornwall Police also confirmed that of the 143 alleged offences recorded this year (between April 6 - April 5, 2023/24), seven are still currently under investigation.
Jane continued: “It is important that victims know there will be consequences if they are subjected to abuse online or in person - in any capacity. Reaching out for legal advice can be a good way to get the ball rolling and make sure perpetrators are held to account.”
TikTok’s safety and civility community guidelines state: “We do not allow any violent threats, promotion of violence, incitement to violence, or promotion of criminal activities that may harm people, animals, or property. If there is a specific, credible, and imminent threat to human life or serious physical injury, we report it to relevant law enforcement authorities.”
LegalExpert.co.uk has a team of experts at hand for anyone who has concerns about criminal offences relating to TikTok. They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.
