Why do the figures show sex attacks have soared?

Figures suggest there has been a 59 per cent increase in sex offences, ranging from sexual assault to rape, in the Wychavon area from 49 in 2006/07 to 78 between April 2007 and May 2008.

The jump, revealed in the Crime in England and Wales report published earlier this year, has prompted Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire Richard Burt to voice concern.

Mr Burt said: “It is pleasing to know that recorded crime figures for violent offences, robbery, burglary and theft from vehicles have all fallen in both districts over the past year. However, the number of sexual offences recorded in Wychavon is clearly a major concern.”

However West Mercia police warned that the figures could be misleading. Detective Chief Inspector Jerry Reakes-Willams said: “To focus on 2007 makes it look like the figures are massively out of proportion. If anything, the drop in 2006 is out of proportion.”

In 2006, police recorded three sexual offences in Evesham, eight in Pershore and 11 in Droitwich.

In 2007, 29 sex offences were recorded in Evesham, seven in Pershore, and 18 in Droitwich.

Mr Reakes-Williams said: “When you look at these figures in isolation you wonder what on earth is happening in Evesham. Then you look at a breakdown for the last six years and you see that, while it fluctuates, there is nothing wildly out of the ordinary.

“I will, however, get some analytical work done and try to find a reason for the fluctuation. I will try to provide some better explanation for the range of figures we have.”

The Home Office report revealed a 34 per cent rise in sex offences in Worcester, with offences up from 99 to 133.

There was an overall reduction of crime, with 5,474 recorded offences in Worcester compared with 5,483 last year and drops of 15 per cent in Wychavon, 13 per cent in Malvern and 5 per cent in Wyre Forest.

To read the full report visit homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/crimeew0708.html.