Fewer than one in twelve rape reports in Kingston resulted in someone being brought before the courts, the Metropolitan Police's latest crime figures show.

The "sanction detection" rate of just 7.7 percent in 2014/15 compares unfavourably with the London-wide figure of 12.7 percent, though more than a quarter of other sex offences were sanctioned, compared with one in five across the capital.

Rapes are investigated centrally by a specialist unit.

Katie Russell, from the Rape Crisis charity, said: "Only an estimated 20 per cent of all those who are raped or sexually assaulted even choose to report to the police in the first place, and statistics like these are unlikely to increase this figure.

"Sadly, despite undoubted efforts on the part of the police, Crown Prosecution Service and others, levels of criminal justice for those who’ve experienced sexual violence remain far too low.

"It is vital that all sexual violence survivors, regardless of whether or not they choose to report to the police, have access to social justice in the form of access to specialist, independent support and advocacy services."

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "All reports of rape are investigated by sexual offences exploitation and child abuse command and referrals to the Crown Prosecution Service take place when there is enough to refer under the CPS director's guidance.

"Sanction detection statistics vary across all London boroughs. Each borough has a unique demographic that can effect the potential for crimes to be detected.

"All allegations of crime are fully investigated by specialist officers."

Burglary - one of Kingston police's priorities - fell overall and the detection rate rose.

However, while the number of reported home break-ins dropped, so did the detection rate, from 9.7 percent to 6.5 percent.

Reported crimes rose to 9,750 from 9,288 in 2013/14, though the total is still the lowest in London by some margin.

Borough commander Glenn Tunstall said: "I am obviously disappointed that we have seen a slight rise in total crime figures for Kingston.

"We have increased our pro-activity in the last 12 months, arresting and cautioning more offenders for crimes such as carrying offensive weapons, going equipped to steal and drugs.

"We have seen a significant increase in the reporting of sexual offences and domestic abuse, which I consider to be a positive indicator.

"There is still more work to be done to encourage victims to come forward."

Surrey Comet:

Ch Supt Tunstall added: "Tackling burglary is not only a high priority for the police but also for the communities here in Kingston.

"We have continued to drive down the number of offences with 127 fewer victims in the last 12 months, and a longer-term reduction of 328 victims over the last three years.

"In addition Kingston police charge and caution the most offenders in London. We also have the highest public confidence rating, all of which is a fantastic achievement.

"The increase in reported violence across London is due to the improved systems and processes implemented to ensure integrity around our recording of crime and there is clear evidence that shows that London is not becoming more violent."

Sanction detections

A sanction detection occurs when:

  • A crime has been committed and recorded
  • A suspect has been identified and is aware of the detection
  • The Crown Prosecution Service's evidential test is satisfied
  • The victim has been informed that the offence has been detected
  • The suspect has been charged, reported for summons, cautioned, or been handed a penalty notice