Every hour, someone in London reports a rape. The BBC uncovered this alarming reality after analysing unique police data. In 2023 alone, more than 8,800 rapes were reported—about 24 each day. Alongside these cases, there were over 11,000 other sexual crime reports. Nearly one in four involved victims under 18, showing that children and teenagers are also at risk.
The Facts Behind the Crisis
BBC News found that more than 8,800 rapes occurred in London in 2023—equivalent to one every hour. The additional 11,000 sexual crimes included harassment, assault, and other offences. According to the NSPCC, over 4,300 children reported sexual abuse that year, keeping child sexual offence numbers close to record highs.
However, experts stress
