WOULD you know what to do if something popped up on your computer demanding £100 to unlock it or how to protect your children from being groomed online?

Gloucestershire Police is hosting free workshops where people will be given advice on how to stay safe online. 

People are now 20 times more likely to be a victim of fraud than robbery.

The free workshops will take place next week in Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the Forest of Dean.

Those who attend will have the opportunity to speak to a member of our Digital Intelligence Unit and a local officer after the talk.

The event will cover multiple aspects of using the internet including ransomware, passwords, monitoring children's usage, phishing emails, applications, public Wi-Fi risks, digital footprints, cyberbullying and grooming online.

Recent statistics reveal those aged in their mid to late 20s are now the number one target for fraud and identity fraud has increased by five per cent in the first six months of this year (89,000 reported cases), where 83 per cent of those cases were committed online.

The events will take place at the below locations at 7.30pm, doors will open at 7.15pm:

  • Monday, October 16 - Tewkesbury Borough Council Chambers, Gloucester Road
  • Tuesday, October 17 – Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham
  • Thursday, October 19 – Gloucestershire College (formerly Royal Forest of Dean College), Five Acres, Coleford
  • Friday, October 20 – Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud

Book your place on the free workshops at: eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-awareness-week-safer-cyber-how-to-protect-you-your-family-tickets-37655130509