Dyfed-Powys Police has recorded a spike in “disturbing” crimes linked to social media site, TikTok as figures double in the last three years.

Crimes including sexual communications with a child and stalking are among the top offences logged by the force in the last 12 months.

New figures obtained by Legal Expert via Freedom of Information requests to all police forces in England and Wales reveals more than 140,000 crimes have been linked to the app since 2021.

In the Dyfed-Powys force area, police recorded 22 offences in 2021, followed by 42 the year after. This year so far, a further 42 TikTok-related crimes have been logged.

But despite rising figures, the number of charges brought against alleged perpetrators remains shockingly low.

Across England and Wales, ‘evidential difficulties’ are most commonly cited as preventing further police action - meaning crimes are often left unresolved.

Legal Expert solicitor, Jane Davies says: “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.”

A total of 106 alleged criminal offences associated with TikTok have been recorded by Dyfed-Powys Police in the last three years but no charges have been confirmed.

Worryingly, given the site’s popularity with youngsters, the majority of alleged offences involved inappropriate communication with a minor.

In the last year alone (between 2023/24), the force logged 19 cases of ‘engaging with sexual communication with a child’ linked to the app.

A further 9 alleged offences of sending letters with intent to cause distress or anxiety were also recorded as well as 2 counts of stalking.

In the last year, no charges have been made by Dyfed-Powys Police for crimes linked to TikTok.

The force most commonly cited ‘evidential difficulties’ as preventing further police action.

There can be many reasons for evidential difficulties including that the victim has withdrawn their support in pursuing the case.

However, in 2023/24 alone, figures reveal 7 instances where the force failed to identify the suspect in TikTok related crimes and the investigation was deemed complete.

Separately, there were 13 instances where the suspect was identified but ‘evidential difficulties’ prevented further police action.

Jane 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.”

TikTok’s Safety and Civility community guidelines state: “We do not allow any violent threats, promotion of violence, incitement to violence, or promotion of criminal activities that may harm people, animals, or property.

“If there is a specific, credible, and imminent threat to human life or serious physical injury, we report it to relevant law enforcement authorities.”

LegalExpert.co.uk has a team of experts at hand for anyone who has concerns about criminal offences relating to TikTok.

They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website at: https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/criminal-injury-compensation/our-research-into-tiktok-criminal-offences/