Facebook harassment has doubled in the last 12 months, according to figures from West Yorkshire Police.

More than 5,000 offences of cyber crime have been recorded — and more than 2,330 offences were reports of harassment on the social media site.

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Detective Inspector Benn Kemp heads up a specialist cyber unit with officers and civilian staff and warned people to think before they post on Facebook.

Insp Kemp said: “It’s understandable that Facebook features heavily in reported crime as this is without doubt one of the world’s most popular social media sites and large portions of our communities use this daily.

“People often feel they can say things or do things online which they would not do in the real world.

“I would ask everyone to think about the content they post of social media, some of the comments they make to others and the impact they may have.

“If you are a victim of bullying, harassment or stalking online report this to the site itself through the reporting section and take a screen shot.

“I would advise you to speak with someone you trust about this.”

Insp Kemp has recently launched a Facebook Live video to engage with the public and answer questions regarding all aspects of Cyber crime.

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Cyber crime in its broadest terms involves criminals getting hold of personal information through a person’s computer or mobile phone.

Examples include: phishing using bogus emails, hijacking files, online shopping scams, virus attacks and thefts of bank details.

He added: “The vast majority of these offences are preventable by taking simple steps to protect yourself.

“I would ask everyone to ensure that they maintain up to date anti – virus software, ensure that passwords are complex and not written down and never reveal any banking details/passwords or other private information to anyone who calls, emails or contacts you unexpectedly.

“If you do get receive contact from someone who you are not expecting such as a bank, technology company put the phone down, visit their official website and ring them back from the numbers listed”.

For more information on cyber crime go to www.westyorkshire.police.uk/cyber