TikTok mentioned in more than 1,400 crimes reported in Bedfordshire in last three years
New data has revealed how often TikTok has been mentioned in crime reports in Bedfordshire, as the government announces a social media ban for under-16s.
Freedom of Information data from Bedfordshire Police, obtained by JF Law, found that the social media and short-form video platform was mentioned in officers’ summaries and the modus operandi (MO) in 1,446 cases between the start of 2023 and the end of 2025.
According to the data, 129 victims were under the age of 13. For teens between 13 and 17, this jumped to 385.
But Superintendent Tom Stean pointed out that the TikTok-related offences “still account for less than one per cent of all recorded crime over the same 36-month period”.
According to TikTok, the platform is committed to user safety, providing teen accounts with more than 50 preset safety, privacy, and security features, and working with UK police forces to assist investigations and swiftly remove illegal activity.
However, it declined our request for an official comment relating to the figures.
The data revealed TikTok was mentioned in a range of crimes: 900 crimes of violence against people, with the second highest category being sexual offences with 199 mentions.
Luton recorded the most crimes mentioning the social media platform – a total of 529 – followed by Central Bedfordshire with 472 and Bedford with 390.
The government unveiled its plans to follow Australia's lead and stop children under the age of 16 using Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook and X.
Superintendent Stean said: “Equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise risks early and seek help when they need it remains a key focus.
“Through the work of our Education and Diversion team in schools, alongside campaigns such as End Game, which promotes online safety, and Lost Boys, which highlights the signs and impact of child criminal exploitation and county lines, we are working to build awareness and prevent harm.”
The force works with partner agencies to prevent and divert criminality in young people as well as hosting events for parents and carers to spot “the warning signs of exploitation and gang involvement, including those linked to online and social media activity”.
Superintendent Stean added: “We recognise that emerging platforms and new technologies can play an influential role in the crimes we investigate, and we remain vigilant in adapting our approach and working proactively with partners to respond to evolving threats.”
> This article has been edited to clarify TikTok was referenced in the circumstances of the crime or investigation, rather than being ‘linked to’ the crimes.