You asked
I am writing to you to enquire if you would be able to provide statistics relating to the volume of crime committed that is dependent on the use of various kinds of 'spyware' within the UK, such as invasion of privacy, or acquisition/theft of intellectual property rights via the use of web cams etc.
Currently, I am involved in studying and researching the methods and technology that may be used in crime & human rights offences within the UK. The rights of people who may want to prevent the occurrence of invasion of privacy happening in their homes, and similar offences, that are dependent on technology such as spyware, being used to such purpose.
To establish facts in an accountable way, I feel that there would be good benefits to be gained from making an appeal to those who may be able to provide such data via the Freedom of Information act and would appreciate such support being given clarifying and confirming existing knowledge of such offences being committed.
I feel that this is an important area to gain more shared & supportive factual knowledge through research and will welcome your advice.
We said
Thank you for your enquiry.
Unfortunately, we do not hold the information you have requested.
We publish statistics on crime in England and Wales based on main two sources of data: The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) and police recorded crime (PRC) data.
The CSEW is a face-to-face victimisation survey asking respondents about their experience of crime in the previous 12 months. Police recorded crime data cover crimes reported to and recorded by the police. Neither of these sources provide statistics relating to the volume of crime committed by spyware in the UK. Our statistics are based on offences, but we don't hold any information about how the offence was committed.
However, you may be interested in the fraud and computer misuse statistics that involve malware, viruses, hacking etc; which can be found in Crime in England and Wales: year ending March 2020, table A1 and A5 in the appendix tables. Our latest release on fraud and computer misuse, Nature of fraud and computer misuse in England and Wales: year ending March 2019, presents details on the nature of these offences which you may also find of interest.
You may wish to contact the Home Office (who can be reached at: crimeandpolicestats@homeoffice.gov.uk); they may be able to help you.
If you have any crime-related queries in the future, please email crimestatistics@ons.gov.uk and we will endeavour to help.