More than 200 rapists remain at large after attacks in Northumbria Police area this year

Cops are today hunting more than 200 rapists who remain at large after horrifying sex attacks this year.

And Northumbria Police has received an average of almost two reports of rape or attempted rape a day since the start of 2014.

The Chronicle is today revealing the shocking statistics which paint a chilling picture of the scale of this life-changing crime, as it emerged that yet another woman was raped in Newcastle city centre.

Since January 1 Northumbria Police has received reports of 440 crimes which have been recorded as rape or attempted rape.

But so far just 44 of these cases have been classed as ‘detected’ and there are just another 124 offences where arrests have been made.

This means detectives today are still actively hunting the attackers behind 201 rapists, who remain at large, while there are 71 cases that have been closed as ‘undetected’ and will not be re-opened unless new information comes to light.

However, Northumbria Police’s Head of Crime, Chief Supt Gary Calvert, explained that the complex and sensitive nature of rape investigations could be the reason why so many reports had not yet been detected.

“Every single rape that is reported to us is recorded as a crime and thorough enquiries are carried out into all allegations. We work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to try and bring about successful prosecutions,” he said.

“Due to the nature of rape investigations, which require very sensitive enquiries, investigations can take some time. We place great emphasis on the need to treat victims with care and compassion throughout the whole process from investigation to conviction and work closely with partner agencies, such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres, to ensure victims are provided with the right support.

“Since January 1, there have been 440 crimes recorded as rape, including attempted rape, across the force. Of these 71 have been closed pending further information coming to light and any new lines of enquiry will be fully investigated.

“There have been 44 recorded rapes that have been detected and a further 124 where arrests have been made. We currently have 201 live investigations where enquiries are actively on-going with a number of lines of enquiry being carried out including forensic examinations.”

And Chief Supt Calvert is urging anyone who has been raped to get in touch and seek help.

“Throughout our investigation we remain in contact with victims, as decided by them, to keep them up to date,” he added.

“We would always encourage any victims to come forward and speak to us and would not want anyone to feel reluctant about reporting they have been a victim of rape.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Vera BairdPolice and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird
Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has made rape and violence against women a priority since her election in 2012.

Vera Baird, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “We encourage anyone who finds themselves in the appalling position of being a victim of rape to talk to someone and not suffer in silence.

“I know, from speaking to victims in my role as Police and Crime Commissioner and hearing their personal stories of abuse, that these people can be terrified of the repercussions their report might have and it takes huge courage to make their report.

“It is important that any victim comes forward to seek this very necessary help which Northumbria Police and it’s partners can provide them with.”

The latest chilling report came after a woman in her 20s was attacked in the usually busy smoking area between Perdu and Blackie Boy on the Groat Market, Newcastle.

The assault, which happened during the early hours of the morning is the second rape at a Newcastle bar in just over two weeks.



THE FIGURES:
440 The number of reports of rape of attempted rape Northumbria Police has received this year.

44 The number of these rapes that have been detected.

124 The number of rapes where arrests have been made but need further investigation before they are classed as ‘detected’.

201 The number of rapes where no arrests have been made that are still being actively investigated.

Read HERE