Non-contact sexual offences 'under reported'

Reporting such crimes not only helped the victims but would help prevent further offending and protect people from harm, said Det Supt Nicky Seager

A campaign has been launched in the south west of England to raise awareness about non-contact sexual offences due to it being "under reported".

These offences include things such as up-skirting, drink-spiking and sending indecent images to someone, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

The force said last year 540 offences of non-contact sexual offences were reported in Devon and Cornwall, with the most prolific offenders being aged between 26 and 45.

The authority said most reports of the crimes came from victims under the age of 18, though reports were received from all age groups.

'Prevent further offending'

Det Supt Nicky Seager said this type of offending was "under reported".

She said: "Many people might think that it's a trivial matter, but I just want to encourage victims and other witnesses to understand it is a crime and we do take it seriously.

"Not just for the impact it has on victims but also because it may also lead to more serious offending."

Det Supt Seager said any information shared would help the force understand patterns and identify and locate individuals.

"This will help prevent further offending and protect people from harm," she added.

'It does matter'

Local college student Rebecca, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, 18, said she and her friends did not know these offences were a crime.

"We often feel that we just have to put up with this sort of behaviour, that it's part of growing up or being a woman," she said.

"Those feelings shouldn't go unnoticed. Cat calling and upskirting and other things should be reported.

"No matter how small it seems or that we are told it doesn't matter - it does matter."

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "I am committed to stamping out these kinds of behaviour that all too often lead to even more serious offending which can have devastating consequences for victims and their families.

"I welcome this campaign which will help to educate people, especially young women and girls, that what they have experienced is serious and does matter."