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Crime levels continue to fall while number of sex offences increase




Number of recorded sexual offences rises by 16 per cent over the last year

THE number of recorded sexual offences in West Berkshire has risen in the last year while the overall level of crime continues to fall according to new statistics.

The figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales published yesterday (Thursday) show that between April 2014 and March 2015 the number of sexual offences has increased by 16 per cent and by more than 25 per cent since March 2010.

However the overall level of crime in the region is continuing to fall with a 3 per cent drop from 2014 to 2015 and a 61 per cent drop since 2010.

The number of burglaries across West Berkshire has decreased by 12% in the last year while the number of violent crimes resulting in injuries has fallen by more than 6%.

The figures mirror the decrease in crime across the Thames Valley area which saw the second largest reduction of criminal offences in England and Wales meaning there were 5,000 fewer victims of crime compared with the previous year.

However the force recorded an increase of 62 per cent in the number of rapes reported in the same period.

There has also been a 40 per cent increase in victims coming forward about rape offences which occurred prior to April 2014.

Thames Valley Police say the increase in recorded rape offences in the Force area can partially be attributed to the effectiveness of the domestic abuse risk assessment process during which victims can disclose previously unreported rapes - these disclosures have increased by 63 per cent.

Chief Constable Francis Habgood said: “I am really encouraged by the latest figures which show that Thames Valley had the second largest reduction in criminal offences across England and Wales last year.

“While the figures on rapes are higher, I believe that this shows a greater confidence among victims that the police will deal with the rape in an effective and sympathetic way.

“Crime across the Force area continues to fall and victim satisfaction remains high.

"This is testament to the officers, staff and volunteers who, with the support of members of the public and partners, worked so hard to achieve this.”



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