Reports of sexual offences rise by 46% in Guernsey

The Bailiwick Law Enforcement 2024 annual report was released on Friday

Reporting of sexual offences in Guernsey increased by 46% in 2024, new figures have revealed.

The figures released in the Bailiwick Law Enforcement 2024 annual report also showed overall crime reports decreased by 4% in the same period.

The data showed there were 232 reports of sexual offences in 2024. The report said the rise could be attributed to a number of factors but it hoped increased awareness about sexual misconduct - through movements like #MeToo, campaigns by local charities, and a reduced stigma in reporting such crimes - had all played a role.

Overall crime was down 4% in 2024, with 2,197 crimes reported in 2024 and 2,298 crimes reported in 2023, the report said.

Overall crime reporting was down 4% in 2024, the report says

The report said investigations into several reported cases had led to some successful prosecutions.

It also showed there were 41 complaints against police officers in 2024 and seven against the Guernsey Border Agency.

Damian Kitchen, head of law enforcement, said the economic environment across Guernsey's public sector remained challenging, including policing.

He said internally there was "extreme demand" on "operational policing, work on our borders and some of our specialist units during sustained periods" through 2024.

"Recruitment, retention and appropriate business planning to best meet our strategic priorities will continue to be important, as will our efforts to integrate further efficiencies into the way we work," he added.

Peter Knee, deputy chief officer of the Guernsey Border Agency, said there was continued work in 2024 to identify those attempting to import controlled drugs and offensive weapons.

He said this included several seizures not destined for the bailiwick of the Class B controlled drugs Ketamine and Herbal Cannabis.