A POLICE force which has received reports of 480 web-based offences this year has launched a campaign to tackle online crime.

In addition to fraudulent sales, identity theft and child sexual exploitation, there were 844 reports made by North Yorkshire residents to Action Fraud from January 1 to July 31.

Police said the total cost to the victims was £1,800,198.

The North Yorkshire Police drive, which will run until the end of the month, aims to raise awareness of the threat of this complex type of crime and encourage people to be more vigilant.

Information about the most common online threats and scams in North Yorkshire will be published via social media channels, along with prevention advice.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Walker, the force's head of cybercrime, said: "The number of reported incidents is significant and whether of personal, financial or sexual nature, the fact is that this type of crime is a real increasing threat.

"Many people do not realise the scale of this problem and it is important to encourage people to take steps to ensure their own safety online."

The force said all frontline detectives, intelligence officers, dedicated investigators and other specialist departments were receiving cybercrime training.

In addition, the force has launched a cybercrime unit to help with complex cases and work with partner agencies and members of the community to raise awareness of cybercrime.