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“This strategy is the first stage in developing a more consistent approach to e-crime across UK police forces, increasing the skills and capacity for law enforcement officers to tackle such criminality and to mainstream e-crime into everyday policing and law enforcement activities. We trust that by so doing we will enhance both industry and public confidence.”

It is hoped that the formation of regional squads will help to share some of the burden.

A spokeswoman for ACPO said that they were working to “identify the most efficient and effective methods to deliver e-crime policing throughout the country.”

The plans will be formally announced by the Association of Chief Police Officers this week.

The move comes with the Government poised to launch a national cyber security centre to help to protect the UK from online attacks.

The centre will advise Whitehall departments and companies on defending against hacking by foreign powers, organised criminals and terror groups.

It will form the centrepiece of the new national security strategy to be launched by Gordon Brown this month.

The changes will see the Cabinet Office co-ordinating anti-cybercrime efforts across Government. Successful cyber attacks could bring down essential computer systems, or allow foreign governments to access them.

Last year MPs were warned about e-mails apparently sent by the European Parliament, amid fears that they could be used by Chinese hackers to implant viruses.

Jonathan Evans, the head of MI5, has also warned business and legal firms of the rise in the online threat from Chinese state organisations.

Reports in 2007 said that hackers, believed to have come from China’s People’s Liberation Army, hit the network of the Foreign Office and other key departments.

Chinese hackers were also thought to be responsible for shutting down the House of Commons computer system in 2006.

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