Paedophile Jimmy Savile struck in Dorset (From Dorset Echo)

Paedophile Jimmy Savile struck in Dorset

11:30am Saturday 12th January 2013 in News

DISGRACED TV presenter Jimmy Savile is alleged to have sexually abused four people living in Dorset.

The victims made contact with the police following the launch of Operation Yewtree – a dedicated investigation set up following the death of the Jim’ll Fix It presenter.

A report by Scotland Yard and the NSPCC published yesterday revealed the shocking scale of his predatory offending which spanned decades.

It states that Savile was “a prolific, predatory sex offender” who could have been prosecuted for offences against at least three victims while he was alive.

The ‘Giving Victims a Voice’ report adds that the presenter used his celebrity status to “hide in plain sight”, with 214 criminal offences now recorded against him across 28 police forces. Four of these were in Dorset.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police Safeguarding Referral Unit said: “Dorset Police are working with officers from Operation Yewtree and investigating reports of historic criminal offences that have occurred in Dorset.”

Savile owned a flat in Bourne-mouth and visited Weymouth on several occasions.

He stayed in the town before taking the ferry to Jersey where he was a regular visitor to a children’s home.

Yesterday Dorset Police urged victims of rape or sexual abuse to contact them – no matter how long ago the offence happened.

Detective Superintendent Andy Clowser said: “If you have been a victim of any sexual assault, but have not reported it, please do come forward and tell us.

“I would like to reassure victims of this sort of crime that Dorset Police take these matters ext-remely seriously.

“I appreciate the sensitivities and the reluctance of some victims in reporting such matters.

“I have dedicated, specially-trained teams who are experienced in dealing with offences exactly like those that form part of the Savile investigation.

“There are some victims who may only wish to speak with non-police professionals and this is of course something we would completely respect.”

Dorset last year launched its ARC – a dedicated sexual assault referral centre where victims are offered multi-agency support in a safe, discreet and caring environment.

Anyone – man, woman or child – who has been sexually assaulted either recently or in the past, can contact ARC Dorset directly or the police.

ARC Dorset is open 10am until 3pm Monday to Friday and available on 0845 519 8638 or by email at contact@arcdorset.org.uk Det Supt Clowser continued: “I would urge victims of these awful crimes to speak to someone, whether it is a matter that has just happened or happened some time ago.”