SINGAPORE - While there is no dedicated cybercrime unit here, the police do have specific resources focused on tackling cybercrimes.

Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran said this on Friday when asked what the police are doing to prevent a further escalation of e-commerce crimes.

"Police are also constantly upgrading their cyber capabilities and they work closely with international partners and experts in order to track down persons who use the Internet to commit crimes," he said.

Mr Iswaran was responding to questions from Mr Ang Wei Neng (Jurong GRC) on how the police were tackling cybercrimes.

Crimes involving e-commerce have risen sharply over the last three years - from 238 reported cases in 2012 to 510 cases in 2013 and 1,659 cases last year.

The increase, Mr Iswaran said, reflects the growth of online shopping transactions and greater awareness and reporting of such crimes.

"Investigations also take more time given the trans-boundary nature of such crimes and Police need to work closely with their international counterparts," said Mr Iswaran.

The police also carries out public education campaigns to make consumers aware of scams when they shop online. It works with the Media Development Authority, Monetary Authority of Singapore, major financial institutions and online shopping sites, among other partners, on this, he said.