DURHAM Police has the highest detection rate for adult rape in the country, new figures show.

Data released today for the first time shows that 368 adult rapes and 428 child rapes were recorded in the North-East and North Yorkshire in 2012/13.

Durham had the lowest rate of recorded adult rape in the region with ten per 100,000 people.

In all four police areas, recorded rapes of children were more common than adult rape, with Durham having the highest rate at 67 crimes per 100,000 under-16s.

The figures from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary reveal wide variations in detection rates for the four police forces.

At 32 per cent, Durham had the best detection rate for adult rapes in the country. The rate was double that of North Yorkshire.

All four forces had better detection rates for child rape than adult rape.

The report also includes figures for the percentage of reported rapes later recorded as no crime taking place.

Cleveland and Northumbria Police had the highest rate of adult 'no crimes' at 20 per cent.

Speaking about the figures, Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry, head of safeguarding at Durham Police, said his force worked closely with partners, especially the Crown Prosecution Service, to ensure rape victims had the best possible experience of the criminal justice system.

He said: “Every victim has a dedicated sexual violence advocate assigned to them, who ensures they are supported fully through the prosecution case and have the confidence to go to court.

“In addition, our partners in the local authorities, health and probation help fund the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (The Meadows), where victims are taken into a caring environment in order to support the gathering of forensic and interview evidence.”

The figures have been released to help the public understand the extent of rape offending and how their force is tackling the issue.

Chair of the Rape Monitoring Group, HM Inspector of Constabulary, Dru Sharpling, said: “Rape is one of the most serious violent crimes and the impact on victims can be devastating.

“It is absolutely crucial that the police and wider criminal justice system has all of the information available to ensure that victims are being believed and the police are following through investigations.”