SEX crime investigations involving celebrities could be behind a 122 per cent increase in sexual offences reported in the district, it is claimed.

Police believe the rise, which saw 258 sexual offences reported in the last year compared with 116 for the previous 12 months, is because people are more confident in reporting the crimes after revelations about Jimmy Savile and other TV stars.

The latest statistics for the year to September show the total number of reported rapes increased by 20 per cent to 30, but where the victim was under 16 there was an 87 per cent increase to 15.

The ‘other sexual offences’ category increased from 38 to 143, an increase of 276 per cent.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “The rise in serious sexual offences in Essex is in line with the national picture.

“We do not believe there has been a significant rise in the number of offenders committing sexual crimes, but what we have experienced is a large increase in the number of victims coming forward to report it.

“Historical national research has suggested that around 85 per cent of victims who have suffered sexual abuse never go on to report it to police, so the increase demonstrates how confidence in reporting offences has improved.

“The increase in reported sexual offences can also be nationally attributed to what has been branded ‘the Operation Yewtree effect’, whereby victims have had more confidence to come forward and report historic sexual offences.

“Investigating these older offences presents additional challenges such as the lack of forensic opportunities and difficulties in tracking down witnesses.

“But we remain determined to investigate and bring offenders to justice whenever possible.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Savile sparks wave of abuse claims

       TV star and DJ Jimmy Savile had hundreds of victims who came forward after his death in 2011

In July, paedophile Lance Middleditch, of Braintree, was jailed for 15 years for abuse carried out against an 11-year-old boy in the 1980s.

The crime statistics also show an increase in violence against the person, which has increased by 32 per cent, from 1,241 to 1,646 incidents’ The number of such crimes that have been solved has gone down by eight per cent.

Robbery is also up by 30 per cent, from 23 to 30 incidents, with the solved rate down by 30 per cent.

Theft from the person has increased by three per cent, with an extra 41 offences recorded over the 12 month period compared with the previous year.

Across the district, the number of burglaries has fallen by 13 per cent, although the solved rate has fallen by six per cent.