More sexual assaults detected by Police in recent years

Across the county more than 100 sexual offenders have been charged each year since 2011.

Latest figures show reports of sexual assault have also risen from 504 in 2010 to 905 in 2014, with this increase attributed in part to improvements in crime recording practices and the force’s engagement work with the public in encouraging victims to come forward.

In 2014, a total of 68 percent or 611 cases were detected by the force, leaving less than a third deemed ‘unsolved’ last year. The figure compares to just a fifth (20 per cent) of crimes being detected in 2010 – a rise of more than 300 per cent.

Detective Inspector Jenni McIntyre-Smith from the rape investigation unit said: “Our increasing solved crime rate should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks such behaviour is acceptable. Improvements in investigation protocols mean we are catching more criminals now.

“We take all reports of sexual offences seriously and we commend the bravery shown by victims in coming forward.”