TikTok-related crimes have spiked in Hertfordshire - including harassment, blackmail and stalking - as a legal expert raised concerns over a "disturbing" trend nationwide.

Figures obtained by Legal Expert show that crimes linked to the social media site have risen 139 per cent in the last year in Hertfordshire, and 237 per cent since 2021.

A freedom of information request sent to the force revealed that it logged 37 offences in 2021, rising to 63 in 2022, while 88 TikTok-related crimes have been recorded in 2024 so far.

(Image: Legal Expert) Legal Expert solicitor Jane Davies said: “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.”

This year, Hertfordshire Police have logged 27 alleged harassment offences, 27 reports of malicious communications, 14 counts of stalking, eight blackmail offences and five for obscene publications.

(Image: Legal Expert) No charges or summons have been brought in relation to the offences in 2024, with no suspect being identified in 16 cases.

An alleged perpetrator was identified in 17 instances but there were “evidential difficulties” preventing further action, while victims withdrew their support for the investigation in a further 19 cases.