ACPO comment on NSPCC Freedom of Information request on the number of child sex crimes

ACPO Lead for Child Protection and Child Abuse Investigation, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Davies, said:

“Protecting children from harm is a key concern for the police and great inroads have been made in our ability to detect and target child sex offenders.

“While recorded crime figures are clearly of interest they are not a good indicator of the prevalence or trends of child sexual abuse. We know that much abuse goes unreported, and it is conceivable that some increase in recorded crime may be attributable to victims, particularly those who have suffered historic abuse, having greater confidence to report these matters.

“Understanding the crime though is central to success. We are starting to bring it out of the dark places where victims suffer in silence for fear of reporting while recent infiltration of intricate global paedophile networks is further testament to the work we have collectively done to understand how offenders think and operate.

“We have a firm commitment to continuing our work. There is much more to do. It is a priority for every force and we must continue to work both nationally and locally to share best practice and specialist skills. We can’t do it alone which is where partnerships with organisations such as the NSPCC is so key but we will use every tool at our disposal to keep children safe from harm.”

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk