Sexual offence reports jump 16 per cent in Eastleigh, report reveals
The increase has been highlighted in the Eastleigh Community Safety Partnership’s latest annual review
Sexual offence reports have jumped by 16 per cent, with police revealing almost a third relate to historic crimes only recently reported.
The increase has been highlighted in the Eastleigh Community Safety Partnership’s latest annual review, which will go before Eastleigh Borough Council’s Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel on Monday.
The report shows recorded sexual offences have risen in the borough.
However, police say close to a third involve historic crimes reported recently rather than offences necessarily committed during the past year.
Chief Inspector Rachel Noble, District Commander for Eastleigh, said: “We know that where certain crime types see an increase in commission or reporting, this will be of concern for communities.
“For example, in the last year we have seen a 16 per cent increase in reported sexual offences.
“Close to a third of these relate to historic crimes which have been reported very recently.”
Chief Insp Noble said investigations into sexual offences, particularly cases involving non-recent abuse, can be lengthy and complex.
She added: “We are committed to investigating these thoroughly to secure justice for victims.”
Police also believe greater confidence among victims to come forward could be contributing to increased reporting.
Chief Insp Noble said Hampshire police has been working to build trust and confidence among victims, adding that increased reporting can indicate that more people feel able to approach police
However, she acknowledged that not everyone affected by sexual offences will want to speak to officers.
Police therefore work with independent sexual violence advocacy services, allowing people to seek support independently of the force.
The increase comes against a wider backdrop of falling recorded crime across the borough over the longer period covered by the annual review.
The Community Safety Partnership brings together the council, police and other organisations to tackle crime and disorder and coordinate work to improve community safety.
Councillors will scrutinise its performance and the issues highlighted in the annual review when the report comes before the Policy and Performance Scrutiny Panel.
Cllr Tonia Craig, chair of the Eastleigh Community Safety Partnership Executive Board, and Eastleigh Borough Council have been approached for comment.