THE NUMBER of sexual offences reported to Winchester Police has risen by nearly 70 per cent over the last 12 months.

In the year ending 30 September 2014, 117 people contacted Hampshire Police saying they had been assaulted compared with 82 cases during the same period in 2013.

Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, said: “Although there has been an increase in the recording of sexual offences over the past 12-months, figures generally show they are lower than they were 10 years ago, and certainly much lower than when they peaked in 2005. “I am not aware of any specific reason for this but I do know that in the past few years there has been an increase in the reporting of historical offences in the wake of Jimmy Saville and the Operation Yewtree investigations.

“The chief constable commented along those lines at his address to delegates at my recent Victims Conference.

“He stated that Serious Sexual Offences are up 50 per cent but half of those reported offences are historic.

“However the constabulary has made significant changes in the investigation of this most heinous crime and the support offered to victims. I am also advised that the decision to no-crime rape offences will now be made at Deputy Chief Constable level.

“I would add that any victim of crime should be reassured that despite severe Government budget cuts and reductions in police officer numbers, the constabulary will, through its Operational Change Programme, continue to provide an excellent service through ‘smarter working’.”

Detective Chief Inspector, Scott Clarke, added: “Reports of sexual offences are treated very seriously and investigated thoroughly.

“These investigations often involve a large number of police officers and police staff who meticulously look at all of the information and evidence available and are also committed to providing the necessary support to the victims.

“A number of high profile non recent cases have led to an increase in public confidence that these matters will be taken seriously.

“I want victims to continue to feel confident in reporting sexual offences to us knowing that we will take their report seriously.”