Derbyshire sees rise in reports of sexual offences after sex predator celebs like Rolf Harris are convicted

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of sexual offences reported to Derbyshire police increased by 11 per cent to 929 in the 12 months leading up to June this year.

Over the past year, a number of well-known names – including 84-year-old entertainer Rolf Harris – have been sentenced for sexual offences.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Stokes, of Derbyshire police, said: “There has been an increased number of people reporting historical sexual offences based on the high-profile reporting of issues nationally. We hope the increase in the number of cases reported reflects an improved confidence in the police and the ability to investigate and detect this type of crime.”

Chief constable Jeff Farrar, the national policing lead for crime statistics, said: “It’s reassuring to see increased reporting of sexual offences as this shows that victims of abuse have greater confidence that if they report to the police they will be listened to, taken seriously and their report will be investigated fully, regardless of when the offence took place.”