A rise in reported sexual offences in the North Walsham area of north Norfolk has been blamed on 'sexting' – sending someone indecent photos or messages via a mobile phone.
Latest figures show there were nine sexual offences recorded between April 26 and May 30 this year.
That was compared to just one during the same period in 2015.
PC Emma Drew told this week's meeting of North Walsham Town Council that police officers now had to record sexting offences, which accounted for the apparently steep rise.
There were a total of 104 reported crimes during the period, compared to 99 last year.
The tally also included 25 assaults, compared to 16 last year.
PC Drew explained that the area now included Mundesley Hospital, which treats people suffering from mental illnesses. Two of the assaults related to incidents at the hospital.
The period also included three reports of dogs dangerously out of control, one threat to kill, three drugs offences and two malicious communications.
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