DYFED POWYS POLICE has welcomed the report from the HMIC on the numbers of reported and detected rape offences in the force area for the year up until March 2013.

The police say they encourage people to be confident to come forward and report rape to them, and they have robust processes in place to record, investigate and do their best to detect the crimes and bring offenders to justice.

It is pleasing to see that the statistics for the Force show that the number of reported rapes of adults fell in the last year from 63 to 53 offences. To ensure they put the victim first, they record each crime that is reported to them within 24 hours, whereas the national standard of recording the crime is within 72 hours. Out of those, 21% were detected, which is above the national average.

In relation to the statistics for the rape of children the number of offences recorded by the force equated with the national average. Out of those, 26% were detected, again in line with the national average.

Detective Superintendent Shane Williams said, “We know that we have low numbers of rapes of both adults and children in Dyfed Powys, but it is important to remember that each of those numbers represents a victim. This crime is unacceptable and we are fully committed to doing everything possible to detect each and every crime and bring offenders to justice.

“To ensure the highest standards of investigation, each allegation of rape reported is led by a Detective Inspector, supported by officers who are trained in sexual offences, and every line of enquiry is followed through to ensure that we have the very best evidence on which to base a prosecution.

“We know that most of the offences that take place in Dyfed Powys, the victim knows the offender; we have very few stranger rape offences. For those crimes that have not been detected it is important to recognise that in the vast majority of these cases an offender was identified, arrested and interviewed. Despite our best efforts there are times when the evidence does not meet the threshold for prosecution. This means that although an offender has been identified the crime will remain undetected.

“As well as fully investigating offences of rape, we also recognise the importance of raising awareness of what constitutes rape and sexual assault, how to report it and the support available. An example of this is our work with colleges and universities during fresher weeks.

“As part of our robust investigation process we investigate all offences, and we do not release offenders on bail without consulting with a senior investigating officer, who will undertake a thorough assessment of the case.

“We work closely with partner agencies, including the Sexual Advice Referral Centre (SARC) to ensure the very best support to our victims of rape, and we are currently working with experts from Barnardos to further develop and enhance our knowledge of the sexual exploitation of children.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said: “I welcome this report produced by HMIC on behalf of the Rape Monitoring Group. It’s important that such scrutiny is applied to data related to rape.

“In Dyfed-Powys I’m eager that we have a true picture of crime and that it’s not hidden so I encourage victims to report rapes. Actions can then be taken by agencies including the police to help them and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“To help in that process, we must demonstrate the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice response to rape where it is effective. Equally, we must show what’s being done to improve the system when it’s not being effective.

“During Monday’s Policing Performance Board I’ll be asking the Chief Constable questions about the Dyfed-Powys matters highlighted in the HMIC report.”

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault you can call us on 101 or contact the sexual assault referral unit on 01267 235 464 or visit www.newpathways.org.uk. To find out more about rape and sexual assault visit www.dyfed-powys.police.uk and click on advice and support/look after yourself.