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Growing concern over sex offences

Dealing with sex crimes 'takes priority'

Crimes of a sexual nature cause more harm to the Island than any other type of offending, according to the Chief Constable.

Gary Roberts' Annual Report, which is being laid before Tynwald next week, reveals a slight fall in such crimes on the year before - but an overall rise in reporting over recent years.

Mr Roberts says combating sex offending 'takes priority' in terms of police resources.

Last year saw a number of high profile cases on the Island, including that of a man who was convicted for a possessing almost a million child abuse images.

The report also reveals ten investigations were launched by the Constabulary last year into historical sexual abuse claims.

But the Chief Constable says a growing concern is the 'increasing sexualisation' of young people, which he attributes to the use of internet and social media.

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