We received a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA):
For all crimes reported between 2019 - 2022 that include the word "Tinder" (referring to the dating app only) AND whereby the alleged victim of the offence was under the age of 18, I would like to request whether any individuals were:
(a) charged (and if so, for what?)
Please provide this information for the following years: 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Our Response:
Please see the below table for the requested information:
|
Offence |
Recorded crime |
Charge/summons |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
|
8R Malicious communications |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
19D Rape of a female child under 16 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
21 Sexual activity involving a child under 13 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
22B Sexual activity involving child under 16 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total recorded crime |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Notes:
Information represents the number of crimes recorded during the period which:
- were not subsequently cancelled,
- included TINDER in the crime notes / MO, specifically referring to the dating app (in any context),
- had one or more victims aged under 18 at the time of the offence (earliest date).
Charge/summons information represents the number of those crimes recorded during the period which resulted in a charge/summons outcome (as at 23/08/2023).
Information is subject to further investigation, reclassification and cancellation, and may therefore change over time.
Crime classifications based on Home Office Counting Rules for Recorded Crime: Home Office Crime Recording Rules for frontline officers & staff - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Crimes relating to the sexual abuse of children are taken particularly seriously by West Yorkshire Police regardless of the age of the perpetrator, and specially selected and trained officers are responsible for the investigation of these offences. All investigations involving child victims of sexual abuse, regardless of the age of the person responsible, are dealt within a multi-agency environment, involving our external partners, particularly Social Services. This approach allows not only for the most effective investigation but ensures appropriate Safeguarding measures are considered for any child deemed to be at risk.
Over recent years the Force has worked hard to ensure that all sexual offending against all victims is accurately recorded and thoroughly investigated by specialist staff. Increases in the number of sexual offences recorded, are as a result of improved crime recording but also due to recent, well publicised historical cases which have given victims the confidence to report crimes knowing that their reports will be taken seriously regardless of when the offence occurred.
West Yorkshire Police strives to treat all victims equally, ensuring that they receive the best possible care from our officers and staff. The force works closely with partner agencies to safeguard victims, ensuring they have access to any specialist support services that they require.