Canadian police losing battle with cyber-criminals

49 per cent of Canadians have suffered from some form of online crime

A survey by the Canadian Association of Police Boards (CAPB) has found that online crime is fast approaching the number one crime in the country.

Just under half of respondents had suffered from some form of online crime, but only 30 per cent had reported it to the police.

The survey also found a significant increase in online crime since 2002.

"The average citizen is now more likely to be a victim of crime through the internet than on the street or in the home," said Ian Wilms, chairman of the CAPB.

"Even if they do not own a computer, their information may be on someone else's computer or with a business that uses the internet which can put them at risk.

"Right now, the criminals have all the advantages and we are struggling to keep up. Every day we fall further behind."

Wilms added that online crime is now a bigger problem than the drugs trade and is still growing fast.

The report recommends setting up a dedicated unit to report and investigate online crime in Canada.