WOMEN are set to ‘reclaim the night’ in a second Fox Strut event after Dorset saw an increase in rape offences.

The march was initially launched last year, where more than a 100 women dressed in fox-themed clothes and ‘strutted’ through Bournemouth as a stand against gender-based violence.

The Fox Strut, which was launched by photographer Jayne Jackson and artist Lorna Rees will be returning on November 29.

It follows recent data from Dorset Police which revealed 816 reports of rape between July 2023 and June 2024, compared to 800 reports the year before.

This meant a two per cent increase in Dorset, compared to the 1.9 per cent increase nationally.

Jayne said statistics can appear frightening, but events such as Fox Strut can encourage strength in the community.

“[The statistics are] something that we as a community can't necessarily control, but we can control our reaction.

“And it's not going to be one of fear, it's going to be one of solidarity, strength and in this case, fun.”

Dorset Police also reported 2,213 sexual offences in the current year, compared with 2,183 the year before.

This was a 1.4 per cent rise compared with 1 per cent nationally.

The Fox Strut was named after Jayne noticed more foxes on the street at night than women.

She said there is “no reason” why women should feel like they must stay indoors when it begins to get dark in the late afternoon.

Follow the movement on Instagram @foxstrutuk, or for more information, visit www.jaynejacksonphotography.co.uk/foxstrut

Deputy chief constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: “We take reports of rape offences extremely seriously and will do all we can to ensure offences are thoroughly investigated and offenders are brought to justice. We want victims to know that we are here for them.

“The force is continuing to make improvements and is seventh nationally for the timeliness in which it carries out adult rape investigations.

“We have been working hard with our partners to increase the confidence of victims choosing to report matters to us alongside Operation Vigilant, which involves plain-clothed officers patrolling hot spot areas in Bournemouth and Weymouth identifying any predatory behaviour or vulnerability and making interventions through calling in uniform colleagues.

“In addition, we’re working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and neighbouring forces on the Wessex Tri-force Action Plan, which aims to ensure that victims receive the best possible support and care whilst investigations and prosecutions take place.

“The aim is to improve the outcomes for victims of rape and serious sexual assaults, both in terms of justice and of wellbeing.

“Our officers and staff work tirelessly to support victims of sexual offences, and we would strongly encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward and report it to the Force where we are always ready to support you.”