A RECORD number of blackmail offences were reported to police in Dorset last year, figures show.

Home Office figures show Dorset Police recorded 293 blackmail offences in the year to March, up from 206 in 2020-21, and the most since comparable records began in 2012-13.

The crime, which is punishable by up to 14 years in jail, is one of the fastest growing over the last decade.

Diana Fawcett, chief executive of the charity Victim Support, said: “This steep rise in reports of blackmail is seriously concerning, with only 1 per cent of cases resulting in a charge, we risk victims losing trust in the criminal justice system.

“It is essential victims of blackmail are given practical and emotional support to help them recover and seek justice.

"Police forces and the Government must take this crime seriously and get to the bottom of why we’re seeing this increase.”

Although the figures do not break down the type of blackmail carried out, the National Crime Agency views "sextortion", or webcam blackmail, where victims are tricked into performing sexual acts on video, as a growing threat.

And the Revenge Porn Helpline, which supports those who have suffered intimate image abuse, said it was their most reported issue in 2021.

Separate figures show that of the 271 lackmail investigations closed in Dorset in 2021-22, just one per cent resulted in a charge or summons, with 49 per cent resulting in no suspect being identified and 46 per cent abandoned due to evidential difficulties.

Detective Chief Superintendent Pete Little, of Dorset Police, said: “We take all incidents of blackmail very seriously and will carry out a full and thorough investigation into all offences reported to us.

“Dorset Police saw an increase in the number of blackmail reports over the last twelve months, which is in line with the national picture.

“The blackmail offences recorded include sextortion, which is a cyber-enabled crime in which victims are lured into performing sexual acts in front of a webcam. The video is recorded by the criminals who then threaten to share it with the victim's friends and family, blackmailing the victim to pay them money to prevent this happening.

“Criminals involved in these offences are often coordinated by organised crime groups based overseas. However, we are not complacent and will follow all lines of enquiry available to us to identify offenders.

“We have been working hard to encourage victims of blackmail offences to come forward and report what has happened to Dorset Police.

“Also, we would continue to strongly urge victims to report any incidents at the earliest opportunity, to allow us to provide support to them and carry out extensive enquiries so that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Consistent with many forces and as highlighted by the HMICFRS report, it is acknowledged that we do need to improve the number of crimes where an offender is caught and held to account through the justice system.

"This is very much part of our ongoing work, alongside partners, to prevent crime, relentlessly pursue criminals and bring them to justice.

“If you have been a victim of blackmail, report it to police online, via 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency. For information on sextortion, please visit: Sextortion | Dorset Police.”