Voyeurism and flashing on the rise in Dorset

Instances of voyeurism and flashing were reported to Dorset Police 138 times during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic - up from 123 recorded the year before.

Campaigners calling for a "radical overhaul" of the response to low-level sex crimes say the criminal justice system is failing victims, after just 14 per cent of voyeurism or indecent exposure crimes across England and Wales ended with a charge or court summons in 2020-21.

Voyeurism and flashing reported 138 times

Dorset Police headquarters

Different data shows cases of this nature are often shelved before reaching a courtroom, with 10 of the 130 investigations (8 per cent) closed during the same period in Dorset resulting in a suspect being charged or summonsed.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne, Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police takes all reports of voyeurism and exposure seriously. We recognise the impact such offences can have on an individual and the possibility that an offender could escalate their behaviour. We thoroughly investigate these matters and relentlessly pursue those perpetrators who commit offences.”

'Relentless pursue perpertrators'

ACC Lyne continued: “Where suspects are identified, we will not only seek a criminal justice outcome but will also utilise our vulnerability lawyers to obtain civil orders such as Sexual Risk Orders or Sexual Harm Prevention Orders. Such orders allow us to impose conditions on an individual that can help protect victims as well as the wider community.”

READ MORE: Operation Vigilant: Undercover police make numerous arrests

Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens was accused of indecent exposure six years before he murdered Sarah Everard and was said to have exposed his genitals in a fast-food restaurant just days before the killing.

Met Police Officer Wayne Couzens murdered Sarah Everard last year.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating allegations that officers failed to adequately probe the claims.

Campaign group End Violence Against Women and Girls called for more research into the response to "lower level" sex offences and whether that response contributes to a sense of impunity in men who go onto commit more serious crimes.

'Wayne Couzens betrayed everything we stand for'

ACC Lyne said: “The actions of Wayne Couzens betrayed everything we as police professionals stand for and we have recognised that we must work harder with every part of the justice system, partner agencies and the communities we serve to rebuild trust and make our streets as safe as possible for women and girls.

READ MORE: Dorset Police release statement following Wayne Couzens' sentencing

“Policing both locally and nationally will do everything it can, including being part of the wider discussion taking place in society today, so that women and girls feel safe on their own streets.”