New data highlights the areas in Britain with the highest rates of sexual crimes, showing significant variations across different regions. Recent statistics reveal a surge in sexual assaults, with 217,567 offenses reported in England and Wales between March 2025 and March 2026. This represents a four percent increase compared to the previous year.
In 2025, over 15 percent of individuals aged 16 and above, totaling nearly 7.7 million people, reported experiencing sexual assault. Additionally, close to four percent, approximately 1.9 million individuals, were victims of rape or attempted rape. The latest government data indicates that there are currently 73,047 registered sex offenders under police supervision in the UK, marking an 85 percent increase over the past 15 years.
Notably, Cleveland Police, covering areas like Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool, and Redcar & Cleveland, recorded the highest rate of sexual offenses in the country, with 5.0 sex crimes per 1,000 people. This exceeds the national average of 3.5, with a year-on-year increase of around 10 percent.
The region of West Yorkshire follows as the second-worst area for sexual assaults, with a rate of 4.4 offenses per 1,000 individuals. Other regions with relatively high rates include Avon and Somerset (4.3), Greater Manchester (4.2), South Yorkshire (4.0), and the West Midlands (4.0). In contrast, Surrey Police reported the lowest number of sexual offenses at 2.3 per 1,000 people, while the Metropolitan Police in London recorded a rate of 3.1.
Efforts to combat sexual violence are ongoing, with the Crown Prosecution Service highlighting increased charges against rape-flagged suspects in the past two decades. Prosecutors are charging nearly four in five of the cases referred by the police, marking a record-high rate. Siobhan Blake, National CPS lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, emphasized the commitment to seeking justice for victims and encouraging survivors to come forward and seek support.
The Home Office reiterated its dedication to reducing violence against women and girls, acknowledging the challenges posed by the current statistics but expressing determination to create a safer environment for all individuals.