HAMPSHIRE police recorded the third highest number of rapes based on its population, according to a report released today.

Figures from the Rape Monitoring Group revealed that for every 100,000 people living in the county, there were 62 recorded rapes.

The national average is 51 per 100,000 people.

The report draws on data from the Crown Prosecution Service, Home Office and Ministry of Justice to give a breakdown of the crime by police force area.

They show that in 2015/16 there were 997 rapes recorded by Hampshire constabulary, up on 839 in 2014/15.

Of the offences recorded in the last financial year 62, or six per cent, resulted in a charge or summons. That figure is half the national average of 12 per cent of recorded rape offences that resulted in a charge or summons.

The report outlines how a rise in rape reports follows high profile investigations such as Operation Yewtree.

Hampshire police said that along with increased trust and confidence in police had led to the increase in numbers and it was important to recognise that investigations sometimes span more than a year.

Det Supt Scott Clarke, force lead for serious sexual offences. said: “Crime recording rules changed in April 2015 directing forces to classify and record crimes as soon as possible after the initial report.

"This means that any report of a rape from any source will now be recorded as a rape much earlier in the investigation.

“Hampshire Constabulary is committed to accurately recording rape and sexual offences even when there is no possibility of a charge or conviction. This may cause a disjoin in our statistics but it’s the right thing to do.

“Hampshire constabulary has a higher proportion of rape offences which are classified as having evidential difficulties, including those where the victim does not support police action, which also impacts on our figures.

“We work hard to support victims through the investigation and any court proceedings through a dedicated Amberstone team of specialist interviewers.

"They provide bespoke support for each victim and are their single point of contact throughout the whole investigation.

“We passionately believe in offering a professional service to all victims of sexual assault and in working with the CPS to secure convictions where possible."

Chair of the Rape Monitoring Group, HMI Wendy Williams said the publication of the report was aimed at improving understanding of how rape is dealt with through the criminal justice process.

She said: “We know that the data can only provide one part of the performance picture on rape; numbers alone cannot tell the full story and we have worked hard to provide context and understanding.

"We urge those involved in preventing and supporting victims of rape to read the digest for their local area, to prompt discussions about what needs to improve,” she added.