Sexual offences have hit an all-time high in the city.

Police have seen a record number of sex crimes reported in Southampton - the highest number since records began in 2007.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that Hampshire police recorded 1,395 sexual offences in the city in the year to September.

This is up from 1,090 during the previous 12 months.

READ MORE: Seven cases heard in a Southampton court

In Southampton, 35,293 crimes were recorded by police – up by 16 per cent on the 30,464 the year before.

But police say the increase in recorded crimes across the city is "not necessarily a negative thing".

Chief Superintendent Raj Kohli is the Violence Against Women and Girls lead for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

He said: "We have seen an increase in the recording of sexual offences, but this has been in part as a result of our proactive approach to encouraging victims to come forward.

"We ensure that all offences disclosed to us by victims are correctly captured and recorded in their initial report, which does contribute to some of the increase in the number of crimes recorded rather than an actual increase in crime committed in the last year.

"Whilst we cannot categorically state the full reasons behind these increases, a rise in recorded crime can show that the public has greater confidence in coming forward to speak to us and we welcome that."

He added that he wants to reassure residents that officers are "fully committed" to tackling sexual offences.

READ MORE: Police officer walks free after CPS drops rape prosecution

Hampshire police are one of 14 forces to have joined the national expansion programme for Operation Soteria Bluestone, run by the National Police Chief’s Council and Home Office. 

It aims to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences.

"This is an opportunity to achieve real, sustainable change by taking an open and honest look at the way we work within our own organisation, alongside the wider criminal justice system and victim support services," CS Kohli said.

For support contact Southampton charity Yellow Door's helpline on 023 8063 6313.

Alternatively call the Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre run by Solent NHS Trust on 0300 123 6616.

READ MORE: Man left shop worker 'unable to do my job' after sexual assault

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