Thames Valley Police released figures on Tuesday which reveal rape has risen by 52%, from 48 recorded incidents in 2012/2013 compared to 73 from April last year to March 31.

Sexual offences also increased by 48%, from 128 in 2012/13 to 189 in the last year.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Spencer, crime manager at Reading police station, is disappointed by the rise – which has seen 262 offences committed in total, up 49% – but says the spike could be because more people are reporting incidents.

He said: “There are areas where we have seen increases, such as violence, sexual offences, hate crime and domestic abuse incidents.

“However, whilst I am committed to minimising the risk of anyone being the victim of such crimes, these are areas which historically have gone under-reported and the increase indicates people feel more confident to report such matters to us.

“I encourage them to do so, so that we can have reliable information to focus our resources to tackle these crimes and bring offenders to justice.”

There has been a 7% drop in crime overall in the borough, from 13,965 incidents in 2012/13 to 12,966 in the past year.

The number of car thefts and robberies are down, and a focus on reducing burglaries has paid off, with figures falling by 31%, from 1,540 to 1,060.

Thames Valley police and crime commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said: “I am delighted that crime in Reading is now at its lowest for 16 years.

“As one of my key priorities I am particularly pleased to see another significant drop in domestic burglary.”

DCI Spencer added: “Overall, crime in Reading is at its lowest level since 1998/99, which is as far back as our figures will allow us to look for Reading.

“This is fantastic news and shows Reading is a safe place in which to live and work.

“However we aren’t going to be complacent. “I continue to review our strategies and practices to ensure we get the greatest results, addressing any areas of improvement.”