Police record rise in reported sexual offences amid growing public confidence
Wiltshire Police saw a rise of 14% in recorded sexual offences in the year to September 2025
Wiltshire Police says it's encouraged by a rise in reports of sexual offences, saying it suggests growing public confidence in how the organisation handles cases.
DCI Claire Smith, who is Violence Against Women and Girls Lead for the Force, stressed the importance of encouraging victims to report incidents to them for investigation and support.
DCI Smith highlighted areas such as improved identification and recording of sexual offences, along with consistent service improvements made by Wiltshire Police, as contributing factors to the rise in reports. “We encourage reporting and thank those that are brave enough to report to us,” she said, underlining the commitment to building trust and confidence within the community.
Between September 2024 and September 2025, Police recorded 2,286 offences - 14% higher than the previous years 1,999.
76% of adult rape and serious sexual offences handled by Wiltshire Police in that year resulted in a conviction.
Training and support lead to improved service
A core aspect of Wiltshire Police's approach is the professional training of staff to be victim-centred and suspect-focused.
DCI Smith emphasized that this training ensures timely investigations and continuous contact with victims, fostering trust between the force and the community.
“You'd imagine much of this comes down to training," she explained, noting that trained personnel are crucial to the service’s effectiveness.
Why reporting matters
While an increase in numbers may raise concerns of a surge, DCI Smith clarified that it often reflects increased bravery in reporting rather than a rise in new offences.
She acknowledged that not all situations are reported to the police and emphasized the importance of identifying historically underreported offences such as stalking and coercive behavior through enhanced training.
The message from Wiltshire Police is clear: victims are encouraged to come forward to receive necessary support and to aid in bringing offenders to justice. Working in partnership with supportive organisations aims to ensure no victim has to endure their experience alone.
A call to action for victims
DCI Smith's key message for potential victims and anyone aware of sexual offences is to report them as soon as possible. "You deserve support for what you’re going through," she said, adding, "please don't suffer in silence."
By reporting, victims not only receive the support they need but also contribute valuable information that could prevent others from experiencing similar situations.
Wiltshire Police continue to refine their services and maintain open lines of communication with the community, always striving for improvement.