103 reported rapes logged as 'no crime' Review on way into handling of allegations.

Byline: JOANNE DOUGLAS

FIGURES show 736 reports of rape were recorded in West Yorkshire in just 12 months.

Of that figure, no further action was taken in 103 incidents, with police saying one reason was that the allegations were found to be false in some cases.

It comes as government ministers announced a review into how rape complaints are handled from when a rape is first disclosed until the court reaches a verdict.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said that from April 1 2007 to March 31 2008 there were 736 rapes recorded.

Of those rapes recorded, 103 resulted in a 'no-crime' being logged after investigation by police.

The spokeswoman added: "West Yorkshire Police have always sought to provide a high quality service to victims of crime.

"The Force has a dedicated unit - Operation Topaz - under the crime division, with officers specifically trained to work with rape victims.

"Their remit is to provide welfare support and a high standard of investigation to all reports of rape.

"They are supported when appropriate by resources from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.

"Operation Topaz was formed in November 2007 and since that time has committed to reaching excellent levels of victim care.

"It has been the aim for some years of West Yorkshire Police that victims of rape are dealt with by specially trained officers from as early as possible in the investigation.

"It has been policy within West Yorkshire Police for persons reporting rape to be dealt with by specially trained officers throughout the relevant period."

Yesterday Harriet Harman, (left) Minister for Women and Equality, Home Secretary Alan Johnson and Solicitor General Vera Baird jointly announced a review into how rape complaints are handled.

It comes as convictions of rape increased by 50 per cent since 1997 nationally.

But with less than seven per cent of reported rapes leading to a successful prosecution, ministers say more must be done.

In 2006/7, there were more than 13,000 rapes reported to police in England and Wales.

The number of rape convictions was 50 per cent higher in 2007 than in 1997, but still only 6.5 per cent of reported rapes lead to a successful prosecution.