We received a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA):
I would like to know how many unsolved rape cases you have recorded in each of the following calendar year:
2003 – 2023 (as far as possible to go).
If you can’t break these down by year can you please tell me how many unsolved rape cases there are in total that you have recorded?
I’m interested in the cases that remain unsolved and open – ie. The victim is still hoping to get justice but no one has been charged.
Our Response:
Please see the below table for the requested information.
|
Period |
Crimes |
|---|---|
|
2003 |
2 |
|
2004 |
2 |
|
2005 |
1 |
|
2006 |
0 |
|
2007 |
0 |
|
2008 |
0 |
|
2009 |
5 |
|
2010 |
3 |
|
2011 |
0 |
|
2012 |
4 |
|
2013 |
3 |
|
2014 |
2 |
|
2015 |
2 |
|
2016 |
9 |
|
2017 |
26 |
|
2018 |
87 |
|
2019 |
177 |
|
2020 |
268 |
|
2021 |
439 |
|
2022 |
848 |
|
2023 |
1087 |
Notes
Information represents the number of crimes recorded during the period which:
- were not subsequently cancelled,
- were classified as Rape,
- had not been finalised with an outcome (as at 07/09/2023).
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 sexual offences are taken very seriously by West Yorkshire Police. Specially trained officers are responsible for the investigation of these offences and are situated within both
District Safeguarding Units and Protective Services (Crime), a specialist department which deals with complex investigations.
All investigations involving victims of sexual offences under the age of 18, are dealt within a multi-agency setting, involving our statutory safeguarding partners. This approach allows not only for an effective investigation but ensures appropriate safeguarding measures are considered for any person deemed to be at risk. All victims of sexual offences are signposted for support from third sector agencies such as Victim Support.
Over the last 5 years there has been an increase in sexual offences recorded, some of which will be as a result of improved crime recording but also due to recent, well publicised national cases which have given victims the confidence to report crimes knowing that their reports will be taken seriously. These offences may have taken place many years before the survivor of abuse feels able to report the matter to the police. Any non-recent reports receive the same level of investigation and response from specialist officers in West Yorkshire Police as recent reports do. Crimes are recorded within the yearly data of the time they get reported however the offence reflects the age of the victim at the time of the offence.
West Yorkshire Police strives to ensure all victims receive the best possible service and care from all officers and staff. All victims are offered appropriate specialist after care support services to ensure they receive support throughout the criminal justice process.