A new online tool to report rape, sexual assault and harassment for the people of Congleton - has been launched by Cheshire Constabulary.

The online reporting form is located on the force's website and helps to collect all the information officers need to launch a thorough investigation - without the need for victims to initially relive their trauma.

51 violence and sexual offences were reported in Congleton West during September 2021. With this story concerning the latter crime. (Source Police.UK)

But many more may go unreported. However, this discreet online tool may make things easier for victim's to come forward.

The form takes as little as 20 minutes to complete, and claims to 'always put your health and wellbeing first'.

This service will help Congleton residents report rape and sexual assault, and other sexual offences like indecent exposure and upskirting. Sexual harassment can also be discreetly reported using this service.

The UK Government's recent release of the local criminal justice scorecards with a focus on police response to rape and sexual violence - highlighted Cheshire as having the second highest rate nationally for charging rape suspects.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "We know that when people are subjected to such harrowing experiences, it can be extremely difficult for them to voice what has happened.

"That's why this online reporting tool is so important. We can help to reduce the trauma of reliving the event by collecting the information in written form, while also helping victims to ensure that they are able to provide as much detail as they feel able to.

"We've already had some really positive feedback from people who have used this facility who have told us that they could never have spoken about this face to face or over the phone with anyone, and that having this online option gave them the confidence to make a report.

"It's another step that we're taking as a Constabulary to provide the best possible service we can to victims of these horrific crimes, while also giving ourselves the best possible chance of securing charges and convictions of offenders."

Latest figures show that Cheshire is performing better than the UK average when it comes to securing these charges.

Government data for the 12-month period ending in September 2021 showed that Cheshire has a 6.6% success rate against a national average of 3.6%.

Only Durham Constabulary outperforms Cheshire in this respect - with a success rate of 8.2%.

This means Cheshire Police is the best in the north west in charging alleged sex criminals.

This performance is bolstered by number of initiatives, from introducing video streaming and location tracking platform GoodSAM in the Force Control Centre, to rolling out kiosks in Cheshire police stations and custody suites.

Additionally, Cheshire Constabulary claims to have deployed a team of uniformed and specially trained plain clothed officers to identify and tackle anyone who may be displaying predatory behaviours.

These download specific phone data from rape victims without them having to give up their phone for weeks.

It is unknown if these are operating in Congleton.

Since last year, the Constabulary has deployed a team of uniformed and specially trained plain clothed officers to identify and tackle anyone who may be displaying predatory behaviours such as harassment, loitering without reason and stalking behaviour in key areas across the county.

CC Roberts added: "I'm encouraged that for securing charges in serious sexual offence cases, Cheshire is one of the best performing in the country, but the reality is that the figures are still nowhere near where they should be.

"We are committed to improving them further for victims.

"That's why tools like the online reporting tool and these other measures and initiatives we've introduced are important – they are part of our continued commitment to tackling violence and intimidation against women and girls.

Congleton LPU have been contacted for further comment.

The new reporting tool for rape and other sexual offences can be found on Cheshire Constabulary's website here.

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