Users can surf the Internet with complete anonymity, which makes the places a haven for criminals.
Soho nailbomber David Copeland visited cyber cafes to downloaded bomb-making details from the world wide web. Closed-circuit television, proof of identity and a greater emphasis on recording users are options being considered by the National Crime Intelligence Service. The cafes have to recognise criminal exploits. The anonymity gives criminals huge advantages in acts ranging from fraud to child abuse, said the director general of the NCIS John Abbott. Bobbies on the 'cyberbeat' will be doing exactly what bobbies on the beat do now.