THERE were more than 150 sexual offences in schools reported to Devon and Cornwall Police last year, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has shown.

A total of 156 sexual offences were recorded in 2024, up from the year prior when 138 were recorded, the FOI shows.

Of the 156, 100 involved a minor.

Recorded offences included: rape, grooming, sexual assault and exposure and voyeurism.

The Crime and Policing Bill, introduced to Parliament in February, includes provisions to introduce a new statutory duty for individuals undertaking key roles with responsibility for children and young people in England to report sexual abuse when they are made aware of it.

It also includes a new criminal offence of attempting to prevent someone reporting child sexual abuse.