Child cruelty and neglect offences in Suffolk have more than doubled in five years – with police saying tackling the offences is a "key priority".
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) analysed the data from a Freedom of Information request sent to the force and found 1,049 of these crimes recorded since 2017/18.
The statics also show these crimes have increased by 28% in 2022/23, with 264 recorded crimes against children, when compared to the previous year.
Last summer, the NSPCC also raised concerns over the rise in the number of child cruelty and neglect cases in Suffolk.
The Suffolk figures from the last year fit the national trend as the data shows increases year on year across the whole of England.
NSPCC analysis of Freedom of Information data from police forces in England has found that there were 29,422 child cruelty offences recorded in 2022/23.
The charity said it was "concerning" that figures were rising each year.
It also said the child protection system has been under substantial pressure over the last few years, particularly since the Covid pandemic.
Kerry Cutler, Chief Superintendent for Suffolk police, said tackling child cruelty and neglect was a "key priority" for the force.
She said “All children should be safe, well cared for and loved.
"Unfortunately, some children are abused or neglected by those charged with their care, and vulnerable children are exploited by adults for their own ends. Any incident of abuse or cruelty against a child is inexcusable and incredibly damaging.
"The Suffolk Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which involves police, county council, education and health, among others works to address issues of risk of harm, abuse and neglect.
"The MASH ensures that child protection referrals from anyone working with children or members of the public are quickly triaged and acted upon by the respective agencies.
"Our work as part of the Suffolk Local Safeguarding Children Board is also crucial to ensuring successful early interventions to protect children.
“The protection of children remains a key priority for Suffolk Constabulary. If you are concerned about an immediate risk to the safety of a child, please call Customer First on 0808 800 4005. In an emergency, call the police on 999.
“If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk of abuse or neglect, please make a referral using the new Suffolk Children and Young People's Portal.”
Sir Peter Wanless, the chief executive of the NSPCC, expressed his shock at the figures.
He said: “These latest child cruelty figures are a stark wake-up call that our current system is struggling to prevent the horrifying abuse and neglect happening to some of the youngest and most vulnerable in our society.
“The government has pledged to reform the child protection system to provide earlier support for babies, children and young people and stop families’ problems escalating to crisis point. The figures underline why it is urgent that these changes are delivered at pace alongside significant investment.
"We can not afford for this to be delayed any longer as there is a real danger we will continue to see these offences spiral upwards if significant change doesn’t happen."
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