CRIME FIGURES: Between April 1
last year and March 31 this year, Durham Police saw a 14 per cent rise
in sexual offences and a 27 per cent rise in reports of violence against
a person
A RISE in sexual and violent offences across County Durham is due to
changes in reporting methods and a sign that more victims are prepared
to come forward, according to police chiefs.Between April 1 last year and March 31 this year, Durham Police saw a 14 per cent rise in sexual offences and a 27 per cent rise in reports of violence against a person.
Over the last year, the force also saw a significant number of historical sexual and physical assaults reported as part of the ongoing Operation Seabrook investigation, looking into allegations of abuse at the former Medomsley Detention Centre, Consett.
Police say that while the rise is generally regarded as a sign that more victims are prepared to come forward, report the crime, and seek help from authorities, the rise in both sexual and violent offences is largely due to changes of recording practices.
Following a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) into the integrity of crime recording, forces across the country have adopted a more rigorous approach to recording certain offences.
Katie Russell, from the charity Rape Crisis England and Wales, said: “Rape Crisis welcomes any improvements in crime recording practice that aim to improve justice outcomes for sexual violence survivors.
“It can also be interpreted as a positive development that more sexual violence survivors are willing to come forward; increases in reporting to the police over the last year have been reflected in our own experience of increased demand for our specialist Rape Crisis services during the same period.
“Rape and other sexual offences have long been under-reported, with the Government estimating that only 15 per cent of those who experience these horrific crimes choose to go to the police.”
Thefts from motor vehicles were down by 31 per cent, from 2,629 to 1,828, while burglaries fell by eight per cent from 4,283 to 3,925.
Criminal damage and arson also fell by three per cent from 6,938 offences to 6,714.
Assistant Chief Constable, Dave Orford, said: “Our staff have worked extremely hard this year to ensure that people of County Durham and Darlington continue to live in one of the safest places in the country.
“We are so proud that we give support to our victims and also proud of the reduction in crime.”
County Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg added: “I would like to congratulate Durham Constabulary on an excellent year despite these challenging times.
“County Durham and Darlington remains as one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.”
