1,700 West Mercia rape and sex assault cases on file

Figures show that almost 8,000 rapes and sexual assaults were recorded by the force between 2012 and 2017, with 49.1 per cent being rape and 50.1 per cent classed as sexual assault.

Out of 3,910 rape offences, 23.5 per cent were filed or remained under investigation across the five years, and 865 sexual assaults also remain under investigation.

The figures also showed a sharp rise in the number of offences recorded.

The number of rapes recorded dropped by nine per cent between 2012 and 2013, from 427 to 386. But between 2013 and 2016, offences recorded rose by more than 150 per cent, from 386 to 982.

There has also been a sharp rise in the number of sexual assaults, and West Mercia Police Superintendent Jason Wells insisted the increase was due to victims becoming more confident to come forward.

He said: “We recognise the increase seen in the number of reported rapes and sexual offences which historically have often been under-reported. This increase is in line with national statistics, improvements in the way police record crimes of this nature, and the increase of reports of non-recent sexual abuse and high profile investigations.

“Although crimes of this nature have a significant impact on victims, the increase in reporting indicates a positive increase in the confidence of victims coming forward to West Mercia Police.

“Anyone who has been a victim can be reassured that they can report a rape or sexual assault, whenever this took place, and they will be believed and supported throughout the investigation. A team of specially trained officers will help victims with care and sensitivity and will work to get the right result for the victim with their wishes in mind.”

Out of the total figures, 16 per cent of rape cases ended with a charge.

Over the five years, in 859 rape cases the victim supported police action however evidential difficulties prevented further action.

A total of 7.3 per cent of rape cases did not come to a charge because the victim declined or was unable to support the investigation.

Superintendent Wells added: “Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable coming forward to police can also access support from independent sexual violence advisors and sexual assault referral centres who offer support and guidance.

“West Mercia Police runs an awareness campaign, Stop Rape Now, which aims to raise awareness of issues around sexual consent.

“The campaign reinforces the message that consent is required each and every time sexual activity occurs and any kind of sexual activity without the person’s consent is an offence.”

In Dyfed-Powys, 979 rape cases were recorded by the force in the five years, with 201 involving a victim under 10 and two victims being just one year old. Out of the total number of cases dealt with by Dyfed-Powys Police over the time period, 42 were charged crimes that resulted in a conviction.

DCI Ross Evans insisted the force deals robustly with this type of offence, particularly against the most vulnerable people.

He said: “Dyfed-Powys Police takes all reports of a sexual nature seriously. Anyone who comes forward with information about a serious crime will be supported by officers through the investigation.

“I can offer reassurance that we will continue to deal robustly with such crimes, particularly those committed against the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“To ensure that we improve our investigations, all rape and serious sexual offence cases are jointly reviewed with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and partner agencies on a regular basis. This is a honest and productive relationship whereby key feedback from all court cases is discussed.

“The aim is to improve service to victims, witnesses and the public in all crime investigations.

“We can be contacted by dialling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides a service of care to women and men who have been raped or sexually assaulted in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. For more information call 0808 178 2058 or visit theglade.org.uk