Scotland Yard's computer crime specialists are deservedly seen as among the best in their field worldwide. Considering there are just 10 investigators in the team, its success is all the more remarkable.

So the opportunity to double the size of the team - in turn doubling the number of cases the Metropolitan Police Computer Crime Unit (CCU) can handle - would bring enormous benefits to businesses.

And all this for just £1m per year. It doesn't sound like much, does it?

The IT trade association, Intellect, believes the industry would be open to the idea. The banking sector already has experience of working with this funding model, successfully sponsoring a team looking at cheque and card crime. And there are plenty of other industries that would make a healthy return from improved computer crime fighting in the capital.

Much of the dialogue between the private and public sector on cyber crime has been fragmented, suffering from a diversity of forums and a range of vested interests. But surely here is an opportunity to start a partnership that can bring widespread benefit.

The CCU desperately wants to expand its capability, and is experienced enough to know the difference that doubling its caseload would bring. It would make a 'massive impact', according to the unit's head, Detective Chief Inspector Charlie McMurdie.

Consider also the knock-on effects of well-publicised successes against both individual hackers and the growing problem of organised crime gangs. Add the successes achieved by the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit, and you have an increasingly effective weapon in the war on high-tech crime.

Computing  backs the Met's call, and urges technology vendors and IT directors in major organisations to contact the force to learn more about how they can help. Or contact us, and we will put you in touch.

£1m split between several sponsors barely affects their bottom line, but would make a big difference in reducing the £2.4bn cost to UK business of e-crime.