West Country police forces seeing 'worrying rise' in reports of sexual offences against children says NSPCC

Recorded sexual offences against children have reached an all-time high, according to figures revealed today by the NSPCC.

Police forces in the West Country recorded 5,515 sexual offences against children in 2018/19, a number which has steadily increased over the last five years.

Devon and Cornwall Police logged 2,463 offences last year - up from 1,358 in 2014/15.

Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Dorset Police all saw increases, while the figures in Wiltshire fell slightly.

The NSPCC said the numbers were concerning, but they may be down to increased reporting and better recording practice.

Bartosz Zaniewski from NSPCC South West. Credit: ITV News

Read more: Police say responding to non-emergency calls can take time

The data was gathered through Freedom of Information requests to police forces. Credit: ITV News

Number of reported sex offences against U18s

Avon and Somerset Police

  • 2014/15: 1,118

  • 2015/16: 1,040

  • 2016/17: 1,483

  • 2017/18: 1,371

  • 2018/19: 1,264

Devon and Cornwall Police

  • 14/15: 1,358

  • 15/16: 1,498

  • 16/17: 1,885

  • 17/18: 2,367

  • 18/19: 2,463

Dorset Police

  • 14/15: 332

  • 15/16: 422

  • 16/17: 354

  • 17/18: 628

  • 18/19: 768

Gloucestershire Constabulary

  • 14/15: 335

  • 15/16: 381

  • 16/17: 504

  • 17/18: 489

  • 18/19: 525

Wiltshire Police

  • 14/15: 698

  • 15/16: 556

  • 16/17: 570

  • 17/18: 536

  • 18/19: 495

If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999, or call the NSPCC on [0808 800 5000](tel:0808 800 5000).

You can also use the NSPCC's online reporting form or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk