Rise in cases of sexual assault in Stockton is an area for improvement

A rise in cases of rape and sexual assault in Stockton is being listed as an area for improvement for Cleveland Police.

Records of sexual offences in the town has risen by more than 20% percent in the past year - shown at a meeting with the Safer Stockton Partnership.

The figures showed a drop of 1.5% in reported crime in Stockton over the past year when compared with the previous 12 months.

However, crimes of rape have increased by 12.9% (up 27 cases) over that time – with recorded sexual offences also increasing by 21.7%.

The rise was listed as an “area for improvement” in a report to Wednesday’s panel.

The figures were measured between August 2020 and July this year, and compared against crimes recorded between August 2019 and July 2020.

An increase in recorded cases of rape and sexual offences in Stockton has been listed as an “area for improvement”.

Figures presented to the Safer Stockton Partnership showed a drop of 1.5% in reported crime in Stockton over the past year when compared with the previous 12 months.

However, crimes of rape have increased by 12.9% (up 27 cases) over that time – with recorded sexual offences also increasing by 21.7%.

The rise was listed as an “area for improvement” in a report to Wednesday’s panel.

The figures were measured between August 2020 and July this year, and compared against crimes recorded between August 2019 and July 2020.

The past year has been marked by covid lockdowns and restrictions where more Teessiders have spent longer indoors.

Domestic abuse and domestic violence has also risen in the borough since the pandemic hit.

Members heard how domestic abuse crimes had shown an increase of 219 crimes in Stockton – a 6.2% rise on the previous year.

Domestic violence has also shown an increase – with more than one in five publicly recorded crimes in the borough related to domestic abuse.

Chief Inspector Chris Smiles said the rise in domestic abuse was a picture also seen nationally with the force creating a toolkit alongside safeguarding teams in response to demand.

After the meeting, a Cleveland Police spokeswoman said tackling all forms of sexual violence was a priority for the force.

She added: “We are currently investing money, time, training and other resources into increasing the number of officers and staff receiving accredited training.

“The number of officers trained to take initial details when a report is received – and offer initial support to victims – has now doubled, and the number of detectives who are accredited to then take investigations forward has also increased.

“The force constantly strives to raise investigative standards and prioritises collating the highest quality evidence to present to the Crown Prosecution Service to achieve justice for victims.

“The force also takes proactive steps to prevent these offences occurring in the first place, taking a multi-agency partnership approach and we also work specifically with schools and educational establishments to help protect our young people.

“When a sexual offence or rape unfortunately does occur, our officers and staff will conduct a thorough and professional investigation, dealing sensitively with victims who are at the heart of our enquiries.

“We also work very closely with local specialist partner agencies to ensure victims are safeguarded and supported throughout.”

Cases of stalking and harassment rose by 14.6% in the borough – something Chief Inspector Smiles explained was partly down to a change in how these crimes were recorded.

This rise in stalking and harassment cases also contributed to an 8.8% rise in “violence against the person” offences being clocked.