by Paul Behan

A TOP West Dunbartonshire police officer has vowed he’ll leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating reports of abuse – no matter what form it takes.

DCI Graham Cordner is the head of West Dunbartonshire Police’s Public Protection Unit.

And he told the Post that a recent report, which said the number of sexual crimes across West Dunbartonshire was up by a staggering 88.4 per cent, is, in part, down to people coming forward to report historical abuse.

The increase in sexual crime was detailed in a new second quarter report presented recently to councillors by local police commander, Chief Superintendent Grant Manders.

The report covered the period from July to September and detailed a year on year increase in sexual crimes in the area.

Although the report had been described as “extremely worrying” and “deeply troubling” by local politicians, the report did emphasise that part of the increase had been put down to “high levels of historical reporting” – with crimes dating back as far as 1960s.

In fact, one particular historical report led to the imprisonment of a Bonhill OAP for sex crimes decades ago.

Norman Duncan, 71, was convicted in September of a series of historical sexual offences against four girls aged between eight and 15, between 1968 and 1976. He was later jailed for five years.

DCI Cordner led the investigation into Duncan and he wants to assure the public his officers will tackle all forms of abuse – wherever and whenever they occur.

He said: “I think it’s very good that people are coming forward - whether it’s a sexual crime, domestic abuse or any other abuse. People are entitled to feel secure.

“I would welcome them coming forward. If you come forward and report it, it will be treated seriously. We very much employ a victim-centred approach, it’s the cornerstone of what we do.

“And if a victim requires any other support from other agencies we will be on hand to try to help them and tap into those resources. The recent crime figures have illustrated a rise in sexual crimes and part of that is historical reporting.

“But, as a society, I think people are more confident about coming forward, because if they see one person do it, then they feel they are not alone and that can make it easier for people to come forward.

“Specially-trained officers will do all they can to ensure any victim is given the support they need. It can be a very difficult step to take, but if you are prepared to take that step we’ll take it with you.”