Rise in rape reports attributed partly to high-profile sex abuse cases

Latest figures show an increase of 33 reported rapes in 2013/14 compared to 2009/10 – with 160 registered with police in the most recent year compared with 127 four years ago.
The data, revealed in today’s report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary on behalf of the Rape Monitoring Group, reflects a national pattern of rises which the document attributes in part to national high-profile sexual abuse cases – for example, those investigated under Operation Yewtree.

The number of cases referred to the Crown Prosecution Service by police in Herts has also increased – up from 48 in 2009/10 to 65 in 2013/14. 
Charges brought about for rape in the county have also rocketed by 150% from 20 in 2009/10 to 50 in 2013/14.

Herts police and crime commissioner David Lloyd has welcomed this morning’s report, saying: “This is an encouraging report, particularly as it shows an increase in the number of offenders being charged with rape and an increase in convictions.

“It is vitally important that people have the confidence to come forward to report such awful crimes, knowing that the police will work effectively to investigate and support them.”

“I would like to see the number of convictions increase further and I will be overseeing the constabulary’s work in this area and encouraging partners in the process – such as the CPS – to look at further improvements.”

A spokesman for Herts police also said: “Sexual offences are devastating for the victims and Hertfordshire Constabulary takes them very seriously.

“The force always encourages people to come forward and report sexual offences against them. Every report is fully investigated and full support is offered to all victims.”

The county constabulary has recently run two pro-active publicity campaigns to raise public awareness of sexual offences.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that two sex offenders in Herts were ‘missing’ from police records – click here for more.