UK Police Guide Teen Hacker Lucas Into Cyber Security Career

Sixteen‑year‑old Lucas, a student in rural Cumbria, was caught hacking his school’s computers twice. After his mother contacted the police, officer Sam Cooper from the National Crime Agency’s Cyber Choices programme visited Lucas at home.

Cooper explained the legal consequences of cyber‑crime and, over a series of one‑to‑one meetings, steered Lucas toward legitimate training. The programme plans a university visit to showcase a cyber‑security course, aiming to turn his hacking skills into a professional career. Cyber Choices, part of the wider Prevent scheme, has handled over 1,150 cases in the past eight years.