Snapchat has become a “favoured” social media platform for setting up violent crime and murders, according to a groundbreaking study into the causes of killings.

Researchers commissioned by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) conducted an in-depth analysis of the factors that led to 50 killings, including social media, drugs, alcohol and gang links.

It found that the ability to delete messages on Snapchat was widely known among criminals, which meant they favoured its use as a “safe” means to plot and plan violence, including murders.

Snapchat was particularly popular among younger criminals or gang members, although other encrypted channels such as Telegram and WhatsApp were also a “preferred communication channel for gang-affiliated individuals”.

Online platforms used for 'escalating tensions'

The researchers said their analysis found social media usage in homicides was more sophisticated than simply sharing threats or aggressive language online. It was also used to lure victims into a trap, plan attacks or discuss the incident.

In one example, communications over Snapchat were used by three suspects to lure a victim into a robbery that turned violent.

The victim was selling high-end clothes online using social media to advertise them, and had arranged to meet up with the suspects for them to buy one of their items of clothing.

The planned robbery - a modus operandi apparently used by the gang previously - turned violent when the suspects refused to pay for the purchase and threatened the victim and their family using knives.

The researcher also found Snapchat, Telegram and WhatsApp being used to plan and discuss murders, escalate tensions and as a channel of communication.

The researcher discovered conversations of the would-be killers organising the crime, discussing when and where to meet. 

“There is evidence the individuals involved believed social media to be a safer means of discussing the incident, because of their belief that messages could be erased or wouldn’t be accessible by others,” said the researcher.

“Social media appeared to be the main platform for escalating the tensions between the victim and the suspect, by sending threats and insults to each other.

“There also appeared to be wider communication between gang-affiliated individuals beyond the context of the homicide, as a means to socialise or organise other activities such as parties.”

Social media 'touchpoints' recommended

The report recommended clearly signposted “touchpoints” on social media platforms for young people to seek guidance or help if threatened online, as well as analysis by technology firms to detect controlling activity and aggressive behaviour.

The study, aimed at understanding the drivers behind killings, has proved so valuable to police and other agencies that researchers for the VRU will extend it to a further 300 cases.

The research found that each homicide was estimated to cost more than £800,000 to the police and criminal justice services, implying an annual London cost of over £120 million.

Det Supt David Kennett, from the Metropolitan Police, said: “This new framework shows tremendous promise, and means for the first time we can truly influence the criminal justice system by identifying where the risks lie.

“There are many contributing factors to each homicide – this new framework will help us work towards preventing homicides from both a policing and partner perspective.”

A Snapchat spokesman said there was no place for violence on the platform. 

“Unlike traditional social media platforms we don’t have open, unmoderated news feeds, which helps prevent harmful content going viral,” said the spokesman. 

“If we identify violent content being shared on Snapchat, we will delete it immediately and the account may be removed. 

“If someone comes across this type of content, we encourage them to report it using our in-app tools so we can investigate.”