THE NUMBER of blackmail offences reported in Merseyside have hit their highest tally since records began.

In the year to March 2022, Home Office figures show that 378 blackmail offences were reported to Merseyside Police.

This is up from 244 in the year previous and the most since comparable records began in 2012-13.

Across England and Wales, 22,000 such offences were recorded in 2021-22, which is more than double the number before the coronavirus pandemic in 2019-2020.

Blackmail, which includes demanding payment or a benefit from someone in return for not revealing damaging information about them, is one of the fastest growing over the last decade and punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

With a rise in blackmail-related crimes across the country and only 1% resulting in a charge, the Victim Support charity said that the government needs to take the crime more seriously.

Diana Fawcett, chief executive of the charity, said: “This steep rise in reports of blackmail is seriously concerning – with only 1% of cases resulting in a charge, we risk victims losing trust in the criminal justice system.

“It is essential victims of blackmail are given practical and emotional support to help them recover and seek justice.

"Police forces and the Government must take this crime seriously and get to the bottom of why we’re seeing this increase.”

Although the figures do not break down the type of blackmail carried out, the National Crime Agency views "sextortion", or webcam blackmail – where victims are tricked into performing sexual acts on video – as a growing threat.

The Revenge Porn Helpline, which supports those who have suffered intimate image abuse, said it was their most reported issue in 2021.

Zara Ward, a senior practitioner at the service, said: "In many of our cases we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg and so many of these instances go unreported because the scammers have a huge impact on their victims, and it can lead to a lot of victims remaining silent."

She said the pandemic drove much of people's daily communication online, including relationships, and a lot of scams now begin on dating apps or social media.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said a rise in blackmail crimes is largely down to improvements in recording.

It encourages anyone who has been a victim to report it to the police – where they will receive continued support – and not give in to demands.

Separate figures show that of the 20,360 blackmail investigations closed nationwide in 2021-22, just 1% resulted in a charge or summons, and 59% with no suspect identified.

Of these, 374 were concluded in Merseyside, with 55% resulting in no suspect being identified, 41% abandoned due to evidential difficulties and 1% with a charge or summons.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting police by funding crime prevention measures, including equipping police with better technology to help catch more criminals.

"We are working with partners across the criminal justice system to increase the number of cases being charged and prosecuted.”