Figures reveal 78 public place rapes reported in Yarmouth

Norfolk police figures show investigations into dozens of reports - including many in hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses - did not lead to suspects being charged.

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

While only one case led to someone receiving a charge, summons or postal requisition, figures reveal no arrests were made following 50 of the reports.

However, 28 cases led to an arrest.

Norfolk Police's detective superintendent Dave Freeman said the figures reflect the wider national picture for rape conviction rates, with a conviction at court being "one form of a positive outcome."

A police cordon at the back of the Star Hotel following a report of a rape in June. (Image: James Weeds) HOW MANY REPORTS WERE MADE EACH YEAR?

In 2022, there were 32 reports filed, with 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.

Then 37 reports were filed in 2023, with 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, with one in January, two in March and six in April.

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

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

• 10 were reported to have taken place in alleyways

• eight on beaches

• two in bus stops or shelters

• 10 at camping, caravan or holiday sites

• five in care or nursing homes

• one in a churchyard

• one on farmland

• two in hospitals or hospices

• one in a hostel

• 20 in hotels, B&Bs or guesthouses

• three in parks or gardens

• one at a pier

• one in a playground

• two in a pub, bar or nightclub

• one in a public toilet

• two at a river

• two in a shop, store or supermarket

• one in a shopping centre

• one in a stairwell

• four on a street or road.

A police cordon installed at Barrows Walk by Northgate Street following a report of a rape in April 2024. (Image: Submitted) WHAT WERE THE OUTCOMES?

Between January 1, 2022, and April 22, 2024, one suspect (in 2023) was charged, summonsed or given a postal requisition.

The figures show 15 of the cases resulted in "evidential difficulties" with the suspect not identified, or crime confirmed by the victim either declined or unable to support further police investigation to identify the offender, with eight cases in 2022 and seven in 2023.

They showed 11 cases resulted in named suspects identified with the victim supporting police action but evidential difficulties prevented further action, with eight in 2022 and three in 2023.

The police statistics reveal 26 cases led to named suspects being identified but evidential difficulties prevented further action with the victim not supporting, or withdrawing support of, police action, with ten cases in 2022, 13 in 2023 and three in 2024.

Only four cases led to no suspect being identified following the completion of an investigation "as far as reasonably possible", with three in 2022 and one in 2023. These cases were closed "pending further investigative opportunities becoming available".

One case has led to further action by another body or agency subject to the victim, or person acting on their behalf, being made aware of the act to be taken resulting from the crime report following a case in 2022.

All 78 reports are currently under investigation.

READ MORE: DNA match sees Norfolk man jailed 40 years after Luton rape

WHAT DOES THE POLICE SAY?

Detective Superintendent Dave Freeman reassured the public the police will always investigate every report of rape received, "regardless of how long ago it may have occurred and continue to work to support victims".

"Officers will be guided by a victim’s wishes which may not always include the court process," he said. 

"Victims may also not wish to engage with police which can present challenges when pursuing a criminal case.

"In addition this crime type requires a detailed and professional investigation, and we work in partnership with a number of key agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service. This can mean that rape investigations take time to investigate and reach a conclusion."

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

Norfolk Police has a dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to help ensure that victims have access to specialist teams who can better identify and investigate this type of crime.

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