Politics · United Kingdom · 19 hrs ago
Most indecent exposure and voyeurism offences in England and Wales led to no charge
Police in England and Wales recorded 17,907 offences of indecent exposure or voyeurism last year, the highest number on record.
Only 2,474 cases ended with someone charged and brought before a court.
In many other cases, police did not identify a suspect or could not build enough evidence to proceed.
Some cases were resolved with a caution, a community resolution or an educational intervention.
The number of recorded offences has risen by 60 per cent since 2021, according to the figures.
The figures also show that some people later convicted of serious crimes had earlier convictions for indecent exposure or voyeurism, raising concerns about whether earlier investigations could help prevent further harm.
Police chiefs say more than 100,000 officers have completed training on non-contact sexual offences, and say reports should be investigated thoroughly and with care.
Police in England and Wales recorded 17,907 indecent exposure and voyeurism offences last year, the highest total on record.
Only 2,474 cases ended with someone charged and brought before a court.
A total of 15,433 cases ended without a charge, including cases where no suspect was identified or evidence was insufficient.
The number of cases ending without charge rose 29 per cent from 2024.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said officers had received training to improve investigations and called the offences serious.
- Who
- Police in England and Wales recorded the offences; the figures were provided by the Home Office.
- What
- 17,907 indecent exposure or voyeurism offences were recorded, and 2,474 cases ended with a charge.
- When
- Last year, according to the article published in October 2026.
- Where
- England and Wales.
- Why
- The article says many cases ended without a charge because no suspect was identified or there were evidential difficulties.
Critics of the handling of cases
National Police Chiefs’ Council
Investigation outcomes
Critics of the handling of cases
Critics say many offenders avoid prosecution, with 15,433 cases ending without a charge.
National Police Chiefs’ Council
The council says all reports must be investigated thoroughly, with care and compassion.
Police response
Critics of the handling of cases
Critics point to cases where suspects were not identified or evidence was insufficient.
National Police Chiefs’ Council
The council says more than 100,000 officers completed training intended to improve investigations.
Indecent exposure is a serious crime that can have a long-lasting impact on victims, and all reports must be investigated thoroughly, and with care and compassion.
More than 100,000 officers have completed a new non-contact sexual offences training module to improve the quality of investigations.
Most importantly, we want women and girls to feel safe and confident reporting to police, and when they do come forward, we must take swift action.
Police forces were dealing with 11,189 indecent exposure and voyeurism offences a year, according to the article.
13,862 cases ended without a charge.
Police recorded 17,907 offences, and 2,474 cases ended with someone charged.
The Daily Mail published its report on the figures.
- Recorded offences
- 17,907
- Cases ending with a charge
- 2,474
- Cases ending without a charge
- 15,433
- Rise in cases ending without charge
- 29 per cent from 2024
- Metropolitan Police cases closed
- 3,073
- British Transport Police cases closed
- 464
Sources
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