Police respond to HMIC Rape Monitoring Group report

In reponse to the HMIC Rape Monitoring Group report out today, Thursday 5 November, Detective Superintendent Keith Perkin, Head of the Public Protection Unit, said: “The increase in reports of rape in Devon and Cornwall is in line with the national average.

“The report indicates that 87% of the increased reports nationally, between October 2012 and March 2015, is as a consequence of Operation Yewtree, the investigation into Jimmy Saville. Devon and Cornwall have not been immune to this and a percentage of the increased reports are down to this.

“There are improved crime recording processes which have led to a reduction in what the report calls cancelled crimes. In 2010/11, 14% of recorded rapes were cancelled compared to 6% now, which is a reflection that we recognise that supporting a victim in the wider sense is just as important, if not more, than prosecuting offenders.

“We accept that a number of victims want to report crime, be listened to and be supported but they do not necessarily want to follow the criminal justice route.

“In Devon and Cornwall, over the last 18 months, we have introduced dedicated Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse Investigation Teams and these teams work closely with partner agencies to provide victim support.

“Given this more sympathetic and professional approach, victims can be confident that if they come to us we will listen to them, take their concerns seriously and work with them, and other support agencies, to help them.

“We would encourage all victims of crime to come forward and report it. Anyone not wishing to report an incident directly to us can contact a support agency via the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Unit website http://www.victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk/