Melbourne, Nov 16 (IANS) An alarming increase in sexual assault cases against teenaged girls in Australia's Victoria state has left the police here worried.

Detectives are investigating more than 40 cases of such alleged assaults and are worried the situation will worsen with the Christmas party periods around the corner, news.com.au reported Monday.

Victoria Police recorded 1,308 rape cases during 2008-09, with 1,197 of the victims being female.

Nearly a third of all rape victims recorded during 2008-09 were below 18.

Detective Inspector Glenn Davies from the Sexual Crimes Squad said in this Victoria state capital that of the 47 serious sexual assault crimes investigated between June and September, 28 involved female victims aged under 17, with those aged 14 to 16 featuring most prominently, Australian Associated Press reported.

He also said the young women were often incapable of giving consent because they were intoxicated and in some instances were being intimidated by large groups of men.

'Rape is an incredibly serious criminal offence. I cannot overstate this,' Davies was quoted as saying.

'Offenders will face significant criminal charges and with that comes the consequences that will follow you for the rest of your life.

'In addition, sex offences cause immense trauma to victims, often having life-long and life-changing consequences.'