The funding will provide for the PSNI’s £167,000 plan to introduce two purpose-built mobile cyber labs - allowing officers and technical staff to capture evidence ‘at the scene’ - to go ahead.

Ms Sugden said: “I am delighted that my Department has been able to identify funding to support PSNI’s efforts in this area.

“It is estimated more than 50 per cent of all crimes committed nowadays utilise the cyber environment to some degree.

“My recent visit to the PSNI Cyber Crime Centre brought home just how prevalent the use of technology is in crime today and the need for law enforcement to constantly develop its response.

“Tackling cybercrime is a priority for the PSNI, which has established a dedicated Cyber Crime Centre.

“The introduction of these mobile labs will both improve the capacity and capability of officers to respond to these sorts of crime.”

Det Ch Insp Douglas Grant, head of the PSNI cyber crime centre, added: “We are continually seeking improvements in our investigative capabilities in this emerging crime area and the development of these mobile labs, funded by the Department of Justice, will enable the PSNI to Keep People Safe online throughout Northern Ireland.”