There were 15 rapes reported in 2009, including the violent rape of a 19-year-old woman at knifepoint as she walked home through town in October.
But just four of the reported rapes have so far resulted in prosecutions. Suspects were identified in seven of the cases, but there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. A further four rape claims are still being investigated.
Some of last year’s cases related to historic offences reported years after the crimes were committed. In 2008 the police investigated 12 cases of alleged rape, with 14 reported in 2007 and 11 in 2006.
Head of Victim Support Hazel Jury said that as many as 50 per cent of rape victims did not go to the police.
