Upskirting Reports Increase in West Midlands as Prosecution Rates Stay Low
West Midlands Police have investigated a total of sixty-six reports of upskirting between the years 2022 and 2025, yet these investigations led to only ten criminal charges. This distressing crime, which involves taking pictures or videos under a person's clothing without consent to view their genitals, buttocks, or underwear, has seen a surge in reports, including shocking offences against children under ten years old.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Low Charge Rates
According to Freedom of Information data released by West Midlands Police and obtained by BirminghamLive, out of the sixty-six reported cases, only twenty-one arrests were made, and just ten charges were brought forward. This means that charges were filed in merely fifteen percent of the reported incidents, highlighting a significant gap between reports and prosecutions.
The data further breaks down the age ranges of victims, revealing that three reports involved victims under the age of ten, twenty-eight cases involved victims aged between ten and nineteen, and eleven cases involved those aged twenty to twenty-nine. These figures underscore the vulnerability of young individuals to this invasive crime.
Legal Framework and Recent Cases
Upskirting has been a specific criminal offence in England and Wales since April 2019 under the Voyeurism Offences Act, commonly known as the Upskirting Bill. Prior to this, it could be prosecuted under the common law offence of outraging public decency, but a review found gaps in capturing all instances, leading to the new legislation.
In a recent case, Kevin Gilmore, a forty-one-year-old from Sutton Coldfield, pleaded guilty to six charges of recording images under clothing without consent. He was confronted at Wylde Green railway station after a witness spotted a concealed camera phone among leaves. Police found multiple illicit videos on his device, and sentencing has been adjourned to a later date.
Impact on Victims and Support Available
Victims of upskirting face severe emotional distress and are entitled to automatic protection from media identification. Perpetrators can face up to two years in prison, and in cases involving sexual gratification, offenders may be placed on the sex offenders register.
Authorities urge victims not to suffer in silence and to seek support from trusted individuals, charities, or the police. It is crucial for victims to know their rights and the available resources to help them through such ordeals.
Broader Context and Trends
Upskirting can occur in various locations, with British Transport Police noting a rise in reports on public transport. The low prosecution rate in the West Midlands raises concerns about the effectiveness of current enforcement and the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
As reports continue to climb, with numbers from 2022 to 2025 showing a steady increase, there is a pressing need for stronger action to deter offenders and support victims, ensuring justice is served in these invasive crimes.
