THE number of rapes reported to West Mercia Police has surged 75 per cent in a year - with the chief constable calling it "a major concern".

Shock new data has revealed how rape reports have leapt to nearly 700 in one 12 month period, with police chiefs putting part of it down to the "Savile effect" of more victims reporting historic crimes.

A new report from police and crime commissioner Bill Longmore has revealed how in the 2014/15 year, to the end of March, 697 rapes were reported to the force, compared to 395 in 2013/14.

And overall, reports of sexual offences shot up 44 per cent from 897 to 1,295 - a worrying trend which the force is investigating.

A third of the complaints, some 27 per cent, were based on incidents more than 12 months old, with Chief Constable David Shaw saying he believes the publicity around Jimmy Savile had an impact.

But he also says the data is climbing anyway.

Between April and June this year 238 rapes were reported to police, meaning the headline figure would hit 952 if the trend continues.

Mr Shaw said: "The Savile effect has certainly had an impact, we've seen people who haven't come forward forward for many, many years come forward.

"But I'm also pretty sure there's a general rise in sexual offences as well, it is without doubt the area which has attracted the most additional resources from us."

Speaking during a meeting of the police and crime panel at County Hall last week, he called it a "fairly dramatic and troubling" rise.

He also said of all the rises in reported crime, "the one that does trouble and worry me" seriously is the sexual offences, saying across the country it's gone up.

He also said the percentage swings are occupying a lot of police time at the moment as they try and understand what is driving it.

The force has supplied additional information which shows there were 151 reported rapes across south Worcestershire during 2014/15, and 155 in north Worcestershire.

There were also 82 in Herefordshire, with the rest split between the other areas which make up the force's patch.

The police released a statement on the findings, saying it is taking the rise very seriously.

It said: "Rape and sexual assaults are taken extremely seriously by West Mercia Police and all reports have and will continue to be thoroughly investigated. 

"The reporting of rape and sexual assaults has increased which is in line with national statistics and is directly related to the increase of historic reports of sexual abuse and high profile investigations. 

"We feel the increase in reporting is a positive thing and highlights confidence in West Mercia Police.

"Being the victim of a sexual assault is undoubtedly an extremely traumatic experience and we are keen to reassure anyone who has been a victim that they can contact the police and they will be treated in a caring and sensitive manner.

"Together with our partner agencies, our specially trained officers and dedicated independent sexual violence advisors we will give them all the support we can. 

"We will work hard to prosecute those responsible whilst also considering the wishes of the victim.

"We do recognise however, that not everyone wants to follow the criminal justice route and we encourage people who do not wish to report to the police to contact local rape and sexual offences referral centres."

The West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) can be contacted on 01905 611655 or by emailing office@wmrsasc.org.uk.

You can also contact the Glade which offers a service to men, women and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault in the region.

Their number is 0808 178 2058 or visit www.theglade.org.uk.

A RISING PICTURE - RECORDED CRIME ACROSS WEST MERCIA 2014/15

                                                         Compared to previous year

Overall recorded crime          60,762     +4.8%

Violence with injury               7,466      +28%

Rape                                    697         +75.6%

Other sexual offences            1,295      +44.4%

Domestic burglary                 2,705      +6.1%

Robbery                               403         +16.8%

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Anti social behaviour             47,192     -4.2%

Killed or seriously injured       436         +6%