A RECORD number of sexual offences were recorded by Cumbria Constabulary last year.

Office for National Statistics figures show 1,764 sexual offences were recorded by police in the year to December 2022 - the highest number since records began in the year to September 2007.

The number represents a rise from the 1,530 sexual offences recorded 12 months prior and is up from 1,455 in the year to March 2020 before the pandemic.

Cumbria Constabulary Detective Superintendent Sally Blaiklock said: "Sexual offences are horrendous crimes that have a profound and lasting impact on victims and there is no place for these crimes in society.

"We need to work together to ensure that everyone gets this message.

"As a police force, we do everything we can in order to thoroughly investigate any report we receive and ensure survivors of sexual abuse are safeguarded and afforded appropriate support.

"We are committed to pursuing any identified offenders to bring them to justice.

"We have specially trained officers who are experienced in investigating reports of sexual violence and abuse. We have a dedicated and specially-trained team that works in relation to rape and serious sexual offences, overseeing cases and offering expertise and advice to officers across the force.

“We work closely with victims to ensure they are supported from the moment they contact us. 

“We recognise these crimes can be extremely difficult to speak about, which is why we also provide additional options for those who want to report to the police, and we work closely with support agencies across Cumbria.”

Across England and Wales, there were 189,700 sexual offences recorded last year – a 19 per cent increase from the year prior to Covid-19 restrictions and the highest level recorded.

Det Supt Blaiklock added: “Sexual offences have increased nationally, as well as in Cumbria, and can be attributed to many factors, including that the public is now becoming more confident in reporting incidents to police.

“Sexual offences include a range of different offences, with some non-recent offences included.

“Despite the increase in reporting, we do believe that this area of crime is still under-reported. No one should suffer in silence.”