Figures for child sex offender arrests revealed

Figures from a Freedom of Information request show the Peak District saw the lowest number of arrests, while Amber Valley had the highest.

The number of arrests for child sex offences in B Division South, which covers the Derbyshire Dales, has increased slightly since 2007 when nine people were arrested. In 2008, there were 11 arrests with 15 in 2009.

The latest results for the Dales – from 2013 – show ten people arrested.

Since 2007 a total of 1,337 people have been arrested in relation to child sex offences, but the figures have declined in the last two years. The year with the most arrests – 2009 – saw 271 people stopped by Derbyshire Police but in 2013, just 153 arrests were made.

DCI Gareth Meadows, from the Public Protection Unit, said: “We have dedicated officers based across the county who investigate all reports of child abuse. We work with partner agencies to ensure all victims receive the appropriate support, care and protection.

“The number of arrests and prosecutions each year will understandably fluctuate depending on the number of reports we receive.”