A FRONTLINE officer has warned that police are 'getting to the point of asking victims to carry out their own investigations'.

Sergeant Simon Kempton, a Dorset Police officer and national Police Federation representative, said officers are falling behind in the fight against tech crime as resources become more stretched.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the Commons Home Affairs Committee says policing is becoming "irrelevant" as forces in England and Wales 'struggle to cope'.

Sgt Kempton, who said neighbourhood policing has been "decimated" by cuts.

"My fear is that we will end up being a purely reactive police force and that people will only see officers when something goes wrong. I think there’s a real danger of that," he said.

"I’m also concerned about our use of technology.

"Criminals are in a far stronger position than we are when it comes to that.

"Their tech is better than the tech we use to stop them.

"We are lagging behind with creaking, archaic systems."

During a talk sponsored by a well-known online marketplace, Sgt Kempton urged attendees to be wary of 'emerging threats'.

"We know this particular website can be used for things like fraud, theft and disposing of stolen goods," he said.

"However, the emerging threat for online platforms like these is that they can be used to facilitate harassment and stalking, as well as sexual crimes.

"If you use Tinder, for example, you might be naturally warier when you get messages, or if you’re going to meet people. "However, if you’re buying a table from someone on Gumtree, you haven’t necessarily got the same guards up.

"Predators are using platforms like these to meet victims who aren’t necessarily thinking about their safety.

"Criminals are wily, and they will turn their hand to all sorts of things to carry out their activities."

Another issue is that police are now investigating a broader range of crimes, many of which can be carried out online, Sgt Kempton said.

"In the past, someone would steal a mountain bike and end up selling it at the local pub. Now, within literally minutes, it’s up for sale on online platforms," he said.

"Police are getting to the point of almost asking people to do their own investigations to see if they can find their bike for sale online.

"That is something we should be able to do. The reason we can’t do that is based purely on resources.

"That is the effect austerity has had. Honestly, it can feel soul-destroying for police officers."