Figures show that 78 rapes in public places were reported in Yarmouth

Norfolk Police figures show that investigations into dozens of reports – including many from hotels, B&Bs and guest houses – did not lead to charges being brought against the suspects.

Between 1 January 2022 and 22 April 2024, Norfolk Police received 78 reports of rape in public places in the Great Yarmouth area.

Although only one case resulted in charges being brought against the suspect, a summons being issued, or a mail seizure being ordered, the figures show that no arrests were made after 50 of these reports.

However, 28 cases resulted in an arrest.

Dave Freeman, Detective Superintendent of Norfolk Police, said the figures reflect the national picture of rape conviction rates, saying a conviction in court was “a form of positive outcome”.

A police cordon behind the Star Hotel following a report of a rape in June. (Image: James Weeds) HOW MANY REPORTS ARE PRODUCED EACH YEAR?

In 2022, 32 reports were submitted, including five in January, three each in February and March, two in April, one in May, seven in June, two each in July, August, September and October, one in November and two in December.

In 2023, 37 reports were submitted, six in February, three in March, two in April, three in May, four in June, three each in July and August, four in September, six in October, two in November and one in December.

So far in 2024, nine reports have been filed with Norfolk Police, one in January, two in March and six in April.

A police cordon in an alley between Windsor Avenue and Balmoral Avenue following a report of a rape in April 2022. (Image: James Weeds) WHICH PUBLIC PLACES?

Of the 78 reports of rape in public places in Great Yarmouth between 1 January 2022 and 22 April 2024:

• 10 of them are said to have taken place in alleys

• eight on the beaches

• two in bus stops or shelters

• 10 on camping, caravan or holiday sites

• five in nursing or retirement homes

• one in a churchyard

• one on arable land

• two in hospitals or hospices

• one in a hostel

• 20 in hotels, B&Bs or guesthouses

• three in parks or gardens

• one on a pier

• one on a playground

• two in a pub, bar or nightclub

• one in a public toilet

• two on a river

• two in a shop, store or supermarket

• one in a shopping center

• one in a stairwell

• four on a road or path.

Following the report of a rape in April 2024, a police cordon was set up in Barrows Walk on Northgate Street. (Image: Submitted) WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?

Between January 1, 2022, and April 22, 2024, a suspect was charged (in 2023), issued a summons, or issued a mail demand.

The figures show that in 15 cases there were “difficulties in proving” because the suspect could not be identified or the victim either refused to accept the crime or was unable to carry out further police investigations to identify the perpetrator; eight cases occurred in 2022 and seven in 2023.

They showed that in 11 cases, named suspects were identified with the victim, which supported police action, but evidentiary difficulties prevented further action: eight cases in 2022 and three in 2023.

Police statistics show that in 26 cases the named suspects were identified, but difficulties in obtaining evidence prevented further action because the victim did not support the police action or withdrew their support. This happened in ten cases in 2022, in 13 in 2023 and in three in 2024.

In only four cases was no suspect identified after the investigation was completed “to the extent reasonably possible”, including three in 2022 and one in 2023. These cases were closed “pending the availability of further investigative opportunities”.

A case has resulted in further action by another body or agency, provided that the victim or a person acting on his or her behalf has been informed of the action to be taken on the basis of the criminal complaint following a case in 2022.

All 78 reports are currently being investigated.

READ MORE: DNA match leads to 40-year prison sentence for Norfolk man after Luton rape

WHAT DOES THE POLICE SAY?

Detective Superintendent Dave Freeman assured the public that police will always investigate any report of rape they receive, “regardless of how long ago the incident occurred, and will continue to advocate for victims.”

“The officers are guided by the will of the victim, which does not always have to include the court proceedings,” he said.

“Victims may also be reluctant to contact the police, which can create challenges in pursuing criminal proceedings.

“In addition, this type of crime requires a detailed and professional investigation and we work with a number of important authorities such as the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This can mean that rape investigations take some time to reach a conclusion.”

Norfolk Constabulary logo. (Image: James Weeds) HELP IS AVAILABLE

Norfolk Police has a dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to ensure victims have access to specialist teams who can better identify and investigate these types of crimes.

Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse can contact Norfolk Constabulary on 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-urgent calls. If you need further support services, visit the help pages.