Rise in number of child sex offences reported in Nottinghamshire

More than 1,000 child sex offences were recorded by Nottinghamshire Police in 2015/16 – an average of almost three a day.

The figure of 1,092 is a 16% rise on the 942 offences recorded in 2014/15.

More than a third of crimes – 378 – were recorded against children 10 and under, and 82 were committed against children below primary school age.

Some of the figures may relate to non-recent offences, reported within the 2015/16 time frame.

Nationally, 55,507 cases were reported.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) said it believed that rise could have been caused by: police forces improving recording methods; survivors feeling more confident in disclosing abuse following high-profile cases; online grooming becoming a major problem.

Mr Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “This steep rise lays bare just how extensive this appalling crime against children has become, claiming multiple victims every hour, some of whom are yet to say their first word.”

During 2015/16, 7,834 primary school children in Nottinghamshrie took part in the NSPCC’s “Speak Out, Stay Safe” programme.

The programme helps children learn the signs of abuse; and informs them of what to do if they have been a victim of abuse.