Report rape urges Beds police chief

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Colette Paul welcomes the Rape Monitoring Group report published this week. She states: “This helps with our analysis and scrutiny of how rape is dealt with, allowing us to identify where improvements can be made to our service to victims, increase reporting and bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.”

The report, published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), provides a digest of how cases of rape were dealt with at all stages of the criminal justice process across forces in England and Wales.

“We are committed to taking all allegations of rape seriously at Bedfordshire Police and our team of specially trained officers work closely with partners to ensure that victims receive the support and care they need.

“Although 95% of recorded rape offences against adults were women, and 80% against children under 16 were against girls, we encourage anyone who is subject to any form of sexual offence to report it to us immediately.

“Despite increases, rape still remains an under-reported crime and one which is at the heart of our priorities as we look to increase reporting from men, women and child victims.”

Bedfordshire Police works together with the CPS to protect people, fight crime and provide the best service to victims. Anyone that is victim to such an assault is urged to have the confidence to report it and we will endeavour to support them through the process. Incidents can be reported on our website or by contacting police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011. Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.