A NORTH-East authority has carried out a review to try and stop young people from becoming cyber criminals.

Durham County Council carried out the review to try and prevent children from becoming computer hackers.

Councillor Heather Liddle, who chairs the safer and stronger communities scrutiny committee, said: “The internet can be fantastic for many young people to enjoy gaming, socialising and learning, but for what appears to be a minority it provides a platform to cause disruption and loss through forms of cybercrime including hacking which at times the offender may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.”

The committee has recommended the Safe Durham Partnership should carry out further work, including a campaign to promote the risks of cybercrime activity.