POLICE logged a record number of sexual offences in Bradford in the year to September 2022, new figures show. 

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows West Yorkshire Police recorded 2,321 sexual offences in Bradford in the year to September – up from 2,117 during the previous 12 months and the highest since equivalent records began in the year to September 2007.

It follows a trend across England and Wales, as police forces logged a record 199,021 sex crimes in the year to September, up 17 per cent on the 12 months before.

The ONS urged "caution" when interpreting the data on sexual offences, which could be affected by a “number of factors” including improvements in how police record crime as well as victims being more willing to come forward and report incidents in light of high-profile cases and campaigns.

Bradford also saw a rise in the overall number of recorded crimes, which West Yorkshire Police said was in line with the national trend. 

Police recorded figures for England and Wales, which only include the crimes logged by the police, show 5.5 million crimes (excluding fraud) were recorded in the year to September – 13 per cent up on the 4.9 million logged the year before.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Recorded crime figures released on Thursday, January 26, show an increase across West Yorkshire in line with the national trend.

"In the 12 months to September 2022, recorded crime rose by 16.6 per cent across the county."

Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL said the rise in crime is slowing down as 2023 begins.

He said: “The increase is undoubtedly influenced by the pandemic. However, our very latest statistics up to the end of 2022 show the rate of increase has slowed considerably.

“The public can have confidence that our crime recording accurately reflects crime levels as our processes were independently graded as Outstanding by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

"We are one of only a few forces in the country to be graded as Outstanding."

He added: “The force continues to focus on safeguarding vulnerable victims and is responding to the challenge of increasing and more complex investigations related to child sexual exploitation and abuse, missing people, domestic abuse and mental health occurrences.

“I remain proud of the hard work of our officers, staff and volunteers who continue to work alongside our partners to deliver the best possible service to ensure our communities are safe and feeling safe.”

Want to keep up with all the latest court and crime news? Join our Bradford Crime & Breaking News Facebook group

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, or call us on 01274 705292.