Free sessions to help residents stay safe online

Cheshire East residents are being invited to sign up to a free training session about online safety and security.

Last year an estimated five million cases of computer misuse and fraud were reported – accounting for almost half of all crimes reported in England and Wales in 2017.

To help educate residents about cybercrime, the council has partnered with Get Safe Online to hold two training sessions later this month.The first will take place in Crewe at The Georges Community Centre, West Street, from 1pm-4pm on Monday 21 May. The second will take place in the Capesthorne Room, at Macclesfield Town Hall, from 1pm-4pm on Tuesday 22 May.

The sessions will cover topics such as creating secure passwords, shopping and banking online securely, social media, how to prevent and report fraud, identity theft and abuse.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and integration, which includes responsibility for safer communities, said: “Unfortunately, it is the most vulnerable people in our communities who are more susceptible to scams. However, it is important that everyone knows how to stay safe online.

“I urge residents to sign up to these free sessions and to share the information they learn with others around them, such as friends, relatives and neighbours.”

The training sessions are being funded by monies recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 by Cheshire East Council and places are limited.

If you would like to book on to one of the sessions, or would like more information, contact Andy Burrows on 01270 686255 or email: andrew.burrows@cheshireeast.gov.uk 

Everyone that completes the session will receive a certificate.