Our Research Into TikTok Criminal Offences

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A recent true-crime documentary series ‘TikTok: Murder Gone Viral’ has sparked public debate about crimes linked to the social media platform. 

We at Legal Expert have seen an influx of recent enquiries associated with criminal offences connected with TikTok.

Often insidious in nature, the crimes range from harassment, stalking and theft to sexual grooming and sexual exploitation of children.

What’s more, the anonymity that social media can facilitate often makes the crimes very difficult to solve.

Legal Expert Solicitor, Jane Davies said: “Some of the offences recorded by police forces linked to TikTok are extremely disturbing and worrying. What’s more worrying, is that lack of evidence preventing further police action seems to be extremely common.”

To gain a true understanding of the prevalence of crime associated with TikTok, we set out to investigate the issue.

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How We Conducted Our Research Into TikTok Criminal Offences

We sent out Freedom of Information Requests to all 43 police forces in England and Wales. 

As there is no specific criminal offence pertaining to the platform, we asked how many offences/alleged offences have police forces logged where ‘TikTok’ was recorded as being an element in the offence in the last three years (Between April 6-April 5 2021-2024).

We also asked for the nature of offences and what police action was taken for alleged crimes in the past year (2023/24). 

Findings show a stark increase in the number of such offences year on year and revealed harassment, stalking and sexual offences to be among the most prevalent types of crimes linking to the platform.

What’s more, across police forces in England and Wales, ‘evidential difficulties’ are most commonly cited for preventing any further police action.

Legal Expert Solicitor, Jane Davies added: “It is important that victims know there will be consequences if they are subjected to abuse online or in person – in any capacity.

“Reaching out for legal advice can be a good way to get the ball rolling and make sure perpetrators are held to account.”

See the results for your local police force below:

Statistics on TikTok Criminal Offences By Police Forces in England and Wales

National Outlook – England and Wales

Police forces in England and Wales have probed more than 14,000 crimes linked to social media site, TikTok in the last three years with figures rising by 70% since 2021. 

Of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, 39 responded to the Freedom of Information Request within the deadline.

Six forces refused the request for reasons including, the data was not easily retrievable and/or could be accessed within the scope of the FOIAct – leaving 33 full responses.

Of those, the total results are as follows:

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 3,423

2022/23: 4,952

2023/24: 5,736

Total: 14,003

 

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 124

2022/23: 175

2023/24: 214

Total: 513

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and Harassment | 108
• Violence Without Injury | 19
• Other Theft | 14
• Other Sexual Offences | 13
• Violence With Injury | 13

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Evidential difficulties prevent further action; victim does not support police action | 55
• Evidential difficulties prevent further action; victim supports police action | 44
• Investigation complete – no suspect identified | 44
• Evidential difficulties victim based – suspect not identified | 18
• Charge/Summons | 12

Cheshire Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 81

2022/23: 81

2023/24: 74

Total: 236

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 27
• Malicious communications | 17
• Stalking | 11
• Blackmail| 4
• Assault without injury | 3

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Named Suspect Identified. Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 18
• Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 14
• Other Agency Takes Primacy | 13
• Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified | 11
• Evidential Difficulties Victim Based | 6
• Charge/Summons | 4

Cleveland Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 72

2022/23: 98

2023/24: 107

Total: 277

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 32
• Malicious Communications | 12
• Stalking | 11
• Other Offences Against The State And Public Order | 10
• Obscene Publications, etc. and Protected Sexual Material | 10

Offences recorded in 2023/24 include

• Investigation complete no suspect identified | 36
• Victim declines/withdraws support – named suspect identified | 33
• Police – named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties | 8
• Victim declines/unable to support action to identify offender | 7 
• Charged | 6

Cumbria Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 33

2022/23: 39

2023/24: 42

Total: 114

Increase of 27%

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and Harassment | 22
• Obsence Publications | 7
• Public Fear, Alarm or Distress | 6
• Other Sexual Offences | 4
• Other Offences Against The State Or Public Order| 2

Offences recorded in 2023/24 include

• Named Suspect identified: victim supports police action but evidential difficulties prevent further action | 8
• Named Suspect identified: evidential difficulties prevent further action; victim does not support (or has withdrawn support from) police action | 6
• Community resolution | 6
• Investigation Complete: No suspect identified | 5
• Evidential Difficulties Victim Based | 4

Derbyshire Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 50

2022/23: 58

2023/24: 80

Total: 188 (60% Increase)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Malicious Communications | 27
• Harassment | 21
• Stalking | 9
• Sexual Grooming| 7
• Obscene Publications | 3

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation complete no suspect identified| 28
• Police – named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties| 15
• Victim declines/withdraws support – named suspect identified| 11
• Victim declines/unable to support action to identify offender | 5
• Community resolution | 3

Devon & Cornwall Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 1

2022/23: 34

2023/24: 143

Total: 178

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and Harassment | 103
• Other Sexual Offences | 9
• Other Theft | 8
• Violence Without Injury | 6
• Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society | 5

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation Complete: No Suspect – Case Closed| 35
• Suspect Identified – Evidential Difficulties| 28
• Filed| 22
• Victim no Support | 13
• Under investigation | 7

Dorset Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 14

2022/23: 16

2023/24: 16

Total: 46

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 6
• Malicious Communications | 5
• Obsence Publications | 3
• Blackmail | 1
• Stalking | 1

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation complete no suspect identified| 3
• Other body/agency has investigation primacy| 3
• Police – named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties| 3
• Victim declines/unable to support action to identify offender | 2
• Victim declines/withdraws support – named suspect identified | 2

Durham Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 111

2022/23: 143

2023/24: 120

Total: 374

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 37
• Malicious Communications | 35
• Stalking | 26
• Other Offences (Against The State And Public Order) | 5
• Sexual Activity Involving A Child Under 16 | 3

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Named Suspect Identified – Evidential Difficulties: Victim Supportive | 39
• Investigation Complete – No Suspect Identified | 24
• Named Suspect Identified – Evidential Difficulties: Victim NOT Supportive| 22
• Named Suspect Identified – Evidential Difficulties: Victim NOT Supportive | 8
• Named Suspect NOT identified – Evidential Difficulties: Victim Declines or Unable to Support | 5

Dyfed-Powys Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 22

2022/23: 42

2023/24: 42

Total: 106

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Engage in sexual communication with a child | 19
• Sending letters etc with intent to cause distress or anxiety | 9
• Stalking | 2
• Pursue a course of conduct in breach of S1 (1) which amounts to stalking | 2
• Engage in sexual communication with a child | 1

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Victim declines/withdraws support – named suspect identified | 13
• Investigation complete no suspect identified | 7
• Cancelled/transferred | 6
• Victim declines/unable to support action to identify offender | 5
• Other body/agency has investigation primacy | 3

Essex Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 241

2022/23: 243

2023/24: 148

Total: 632

Offences recorded in 2023/24 include

• Causing or Inciting the sexual exploitation of a child (aged 13-17)
• Harassment – Stalking involving serious alarm/distress 
• Inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity
• Kidnapping – False imprisonment
• Threats to kill.

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified | 32
• Named Suspect Identified. Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 28
• Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action| 28
• Evidential Difficulties Victim Based | 17
• Diversionary, educational or intervention activity undertaken | 15

Gloucestershire Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 34

2022/23: 71

2023/24: 83

Total: 188 (Increase of 144% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 18
• Stalking | 14
• Malicious Communications | 13
• Obscene publications | 6
• Blackmail | 4

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation complete: no suspect identified | 22
• Evidential difficulties: suspect identified; victim supports action | 20
• Evidential difficulties: suspect identified; victim does not support further action | 13
• Evidential difficulties: suspect not identified; victim does not support further action | 6
• Action undertaken by another body/agency | 3

Greater Manchester Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 334

2022/23: 509

2023/24: 644

Total: 1487 (Increase of 93% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and Harassment | 543
• Public order offences | 29
• All other theft offences | 21
• Miscellaneous crimes against society | 18
• Other sexual offences | 13

Hertfordshire Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 37

2022/23: 63

2023/24: 88

Total: 188 (Increase of 138%)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 27
• Malicious Communications | 27
• Stalking | 14
• Blackmail | 8
• Obscene publications | 5

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Named Suspect – Victim Unsupportive | 19
• Named Suspect – Evidential Difficulties | 17
• No Suspect Identified | 16
• Suspect not identified – Victim Unsupportive | 15
• Unfinalised Investigation | 15

Humberside Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

Total: 403

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 49
• Malicious Communications | 24
• Stalking | 12
• State or Public Order | 3
• Assault With Injury | 2

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Police – named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties | 19
• Investigation complete no suspect identified | 13
• Police – named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties | 9
• Victim declines/withdraws support – named suspect identified | 7

Lancashire Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 71

2022/23: 66

2023/24: 98

Total: 235 (Increase of 48% between 2022/23 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Sending letters etc with intent to cause distress or anxiety, | 82
• Harassment – without violence | 37
• Take or to make or to distribute indecent photographs or pseudo- photographs, of children | 32
• Pursue course of conduct in breach of Sec (1) which amounts to stalking | 21
• Assault without Injury – Common assault and battery | 8

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified | 53
• Named Suspect Identified: Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 47
• Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties
  Prevent Further Action | 34
• No Further Action | 32
• Community Resolution | 12

Leicestershire Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 107

2022/23: 155

2023/24: 164

Total: 426 (Increase of 53% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Malicious Communications | 34
• Harassment without violence | 31
• Harassment (Put in fear of violence) | 11
• Stalking | 11
• Breach a non-molestation order | 6

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation complete no suspect identified | 48
• Named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties | 29
• Offender Charged or Court Summons | 11
• Victim declines to support action (Named
  suspect) | 10
• Crime under investigation | 8

Lincolnshire Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 54

2022/23: 68

2023/24: 76

Total: 198 (Increase of 41%)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and Harassment | 53
• Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society | 6
• Other Sexual Offences | 6
• Violence Without Injury | 5
• Public Disorder | 3

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation complete no suspect identified | 29
• Police – named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties | 22
• Victim declines/withdraws support – named suspect identified | 10
• Unresolved | 8
• Victim declines/unable to support action to identify offender | 3

Merseyside Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 101

2022/23: 116

2023/24: 139

Total: 356 (Increase of 38% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and Harassment | 117
• Other sexual offences | 7
• Miscellaneous crimes against society | 6
• Public order | 4
• Violence without injury | 2

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation Complete No Suspect Identified | 46
• Victim Declines/Withdraws Support – Named Suspect Identified | 28
• Police – Named Suspect, Victim Supports But Evidential Difficulties | 24
• Victim Declines/Unable to Support Action To Identify Offender | 19
• Charged | 3

Norfolk Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 135

2022/23: 139

2023/24: 121

Total: 395

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment – without violence (course of conduct) | 37
• Sending letters etc with intent to cause distress or anxiety | 15
• Take or to make or to distribute indecent photographs or pseudo- photographs, of children| 9
• Stalking – Pursue course of conduct in breach of Sec 1 (1) which amounts to stalking | 7
• Blackmail (Indictable)| 6

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Named Suspect Identified: Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action: Victim Does Not Support (Or Has Withdrawn Support From) Police Action | 35
• Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 28
• Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified| 21
• Under Investigation | 7
• Community Resolution | 6

North Wales Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 26

2022/23: 44

2023/24: 34

Total: 356 (Increase of 69% between 2021/22 and 2022/23)

North Yorkshire Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 45

2022/23: 85

2023/24: 99

Total: 229 (Increase of 120% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Violence against the person | 59
• Theft: all other theft | 17
• Miscellaneous crimes against society | 10
• Fraud | 6
• Public order offences | 3

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Evidential difficulties prevent further action; victim does not support police action | 23
• Investigation complete ‐ no suspect identified | 17
• Evidential difficulties prevent further action; victim supports police action| 8
• Evidential difficulties victim based – suspect not identified | 7
• Charged/Summonsed | 3

Northamptonshire Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 65

2022/23: 81

2023/24: 106

Total: 252 (Increase of 63% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Violence without injury | 80
• Miscellaneous crimes against society | 8
• All other theft offences | 6
• Violence with injury | 4
• Public disorder | 3

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Victim declines/withdraws support – named suspect identified | 33
• Investigation complete no suspect identified | 24
• Police – named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties| 19
• Victim declines/unable to support action to identify offender | 10
• Other body/agency has investigation primacy | 5

Northumbria Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 300

2022/23: 527

2023/24: 610

Total: 1437 (Increase of 103% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 465
• Miscellaneous crimes| 65
• Public disorder| 18
• Other violence | 8
• Criminal damage – other | 7

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation Complete – No Suspect Identified | 193
• Victim Does Not Support Police Action | 167
• Evidential Difficulties| 126
• Ongoing | 41
• Charge/Summons | 23

Nottinghamshire Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 79

2022/23: 120

2023/24: 176

Total: 375 (Increase of 123% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and harassment
• Miscellaneous crimes against society
• Public disorder
• Violence without injury
• All other theft offences

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation complete no suspect identified | 65
• Victim declines/withdraws support – named suspect identified | 40
• Police – named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties | 30
• Unresolved | 9
• Charged | 5

South Yorkshire Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 111

2022/23: 185

2023/24: 199

Total: 495 (Increase of 79% between 2021/22 and 2023/24)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and Harassment | 147
• Miscellaneous crimes against society| 19
• Other sexual offences| 11
• Public fear, alarm or distress | 10
• Other theft | 3

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified | 80
• Named Suspect Identified: Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 65
• Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further | 22
• Further investigation that could provide sufficient evidence to support formal action is not in public interest | 12
• Evidential Difficulties Victim Based | 11

Staffordshire Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

Total: 295

Suffolk Constabulary

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 68

2022/23: 84

2023/24: 80

Total: 232

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment – without violence (course of conduct)| 28
• Sending letters etc with intent to cause distress or anxiety| 21
• Blackmail (Indictable) | 6
• Take or to make or to distribute indecent photographs or pseudo- photographs, of children | 6
• Assault without Injury – Common assault and battery | 4

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified | 28
• Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 18
• Named Suspect Identified: Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 15
• Other body/agency has investigation primacy| 6
• Evidential Difficulties Victim Based | 5

Sussex Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 58

2022/23: 99

2023/24: 120

Total: 277

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Stalking and Harassment| 95
• Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society | 8
• Other Sexual Offences | 4
• Other Theft | 4
• Public Order | 4

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation complete no suspect identified | 49
• Named suspect identified – victim does not support | 19
• Evidential difficulties – named suspect identified | 17
• Diversionary, educational or intervention activity | 4
• Community Resolution | 3

Warwickshire Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 48

2022/23: 101

2023/24: 105

Total: 254

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Violence Against The Person | 67
• Sexual Offences | 13
• Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society | 11
• Theft | 7
• Public Order Offences | 4

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Named Suspect Identified: Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 33
• Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified | 20
• Evidential Difficulties Victim Based | 15
• Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 15
• Filed or under investigation | 10

West Mercia Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 224

2022/23: 308

2023/24: 233

Total: 765 (Increase of 38% between 2021/22 and 2022/23)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Violence Against The Person | 181
• Sexual Offences | 19
• Theft | 11
• Public Order Offences | 9
• Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society | 7

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Named Suspect Identified: Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 65
• Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action | 61
• Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified | 61
• Ongoing Investigation | 15
• Evidential Difficulties Victim Based | 11

West Yorkshire Police

Number of offences where TikTok has been recorded

2021/22: 548

2022/23: 873

2023/24: 795

Total: 1437 (Increase of 59% between 2021/22 and 2022/23)

Most common nature of offences 2023/24 

• Harassment | 465
• Miscellaneous crimes| 65
• Public disorder| 18
• Other violence | 8
• Criminal damage – other | 7

Most common police outcome type 2023/24 | No. of offences

• Investigation complete: No suspect ID | 687
• Evidential difficulties: Suspect ID | 625
• Evidential difficulties: Suspect ID (Victim based) | 553
• Ongoing Investigation | 130
• Further investigation not in public interest | 45