The latest figures on the numbers of sex crimes being investigated by West Yorkshire Police – particularly those in which the alleged perpetrator is now of pensionable age – make for unpleasant reading.

But what they also do is make absolutely clear that there is no hiding place for those who have committed such wicked crimes, even if the offences took place years or even decades before.

In the past five years more than 200 cases involving suspects – some into their 80s – have been looked at by detectives, with many going to court to face justice.

However, this is not a rise in incidents, but more an increase in historic cases being put under the spotlight once more. Sometimes this is because technology has improved to allow old cases to be looked at again in a new light.

In other instances, it is because the victims of these crimes might have stayed silent for many years but have now plucked up the courage to come forward and report the attacks, which have sometimes happened decades earlier.

Recent high-profile court cases involving public figures, and the revelations about the wickedness of the TV and radio star Jimmy Savile which emerged after his death, have undoubtedly led to more victims coming forward.

And there is no doubt that there has been a change of culture in how allegations of sex abuse are handled by police and other agencies now, and victims believe they are more likely to be treated more credibly than may have been the case in the past.

Those who are guilty of these horrific offences, no matter how long ago they happened or how old they are now, should all be looking over their shoulders and be preparing to finally face the full consequences.