Upskirting Offences
Keywords
Upskirting, Voyeurism, Photo, Picture, Video, Recording, Men, Women, School, Public
Publication number
PUB 1003
Publication statement
Please note that this information is correct as at 03/03/2021 and may be subject to change. Essex Police aim to review and update this publication every six months.
As with all publications of information by Essex Police, please note caveats may apply regarding the accuracy of data.
Title
Upskirting Offences
Date range
April 2019 – February 2020
Background information
“Upskirting” is a colloquial term referring to the action of placing equipment such as a camera or mobile phone beneath a person’s clothing to take a voyeuristic photograph without their permission. It is not only confined to victims wearing skirts or dresses and equally applies when men or women are wearing kilts, cassocks shorts, or trousers.
This is often performed in crowded public places, for example on public transport or in shopping centres, or within work settings. Currently with Essex Police, all incidents involving victims aged under 16 have been reported as occurring within school premises.
The Voyeurism (Offences) Act, which was commonly known as the Upskirting Bill, was introduced on 21 June 2018 and came into force on 12 April 2019.
Upskirting, where committed to obtain sexual gratification, can result in offenders being placed on the sex offenders register under Section 67 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
In addition, Section 67A(1) Voyeurism under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 states it is an offence to operate equipment under another person’s clothing (without consent or reasonable belief of consent) and is therefore irrespective as to whether an image is recorded.
Related documents/links
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/upskirting-know-your-rights
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/upskirting-law-comes-into-force
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2019/2/enacted
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/section/67
FOI publication
Number of Upskirting offences reported to Essex Police
|
Month |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan |
|
1 |
|
|
Feb |
|
1 |
|
|
Mar |
|
|
|
|
Apr |
1 |
|
|
|
May |
|
2 |
|
|
Jun |
2 |
4 |
|
|
Jul |
2 |
|
|
|
Aug |
1 |
|
|
|
Sep |
1 |
|
|
|
Oct |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Nov |
|
|
|
|
Dec |
3 |
|
|
|
Total |
11 |
9 |
0 |
Age and Gender of Upskirting victims
|
|
Victim Age |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Under 16 |
Over 30 |
|
|
Male |
|
|
|
Female |
13 |
7 |
Outcome type for Upskirting offences
|
Outcome Type |
Number |
|---|---|
|
Outcome 1 (Charged/Summonsed/Postal Requisition) |
2 |
|
Outcome 2 (Caution – Youth) |
1 |
|
Outcome 14 (Evidential Difficulties Victim Based- Suspect Not Identified) |
2 |
|
Outcome 15 (Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action) |
5 |
|
Outcome 16 (Named Suspect Identified: Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action |
3 |
|
Outcome 18 (No Suspect Identified) |
6 |
|
Outcome 22 (Diversionary, educational or intervention activity) |
1 |