Reports of child sex offences more than double in last five years
The number of sex offences against children reported to Northumbria Police has more than doubled in the last five years, according to figures released by the NSPCC.
It comes as the Office of National Statistics (ONS) release their crime stats this week.
They show that Northumbria Police has seen a 172 per cent increase in sexual offences towards under 16s since 2012/2013.
In the same period, there has also been a 239 per cent increase in rape offences of children under the age of 16 and a 143 per cent increase** **in sexual offences towards children aged under 13.
An NSPCC spokesman said: “These are grim figures which show that the number of sex offences has more than doubled in the last five years, with a significant number of victims being children. Recent investigations have exposed a dark underbelly of abuse that went on for far too long with the impact only now becoming tragically clear.
“Sexual abuse has a devastating impact on a child, and we urge all victims to come forward as soon as possible so they can get the support they need and offenders can be brought to justice. Any child who has been a victim can always call Childline on 0800 1111."
In response to the figures, Northumbria's DCC Winton Keenen said: “Over the past year we have implemented new internal procedures on how we record reports of crime. It is these improvements, combined with more people having the confidence to contact us, that have led to the increase in recorded crime shown in the figures today.
"In reality, the number of people who state they are a victim of crime has fallen by just over 10 per cent but it is the proportion of these that we are now recording results in these figures released today. "Clearly these figures do not reflect a significant increase in actual crimes being committed in Northumbria and we are very proud that the region remains one of the safest places in the country to live." Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, added: *"Here in Northumbria, we have worked hard to encourage victims of crime to report it - the force has clearly been successful in giving people the confidence to do this. Crime figures also rely on them being recorded accurately by the police - which our force is beginning to do.* “Northumbria Police will not deviate from working closely with victims of crime, offering them all the support they need. I'm pleased that traditionally unreported crimes have seen a large increase - often sexual offences and domestic violence remains a silent crime, here in Northumbria, our officers are offering support, advice and care to more victims than ever before. “It's great that 91% victims of crime in Northumbria are satisfied with the overall service they received - this places us as one of the best forces nationally. “Whenever statistics are produced, it is important that the story behind them is given - we want local residents to report crime, we have achieved this and this has allowed us to give victims of crime all the support they need.”