Cases reported for rape increased since1997,reaching the record high since1982at2,472in2003,but decreased to2,176in2004.The clearance rate,which used to be around90%,has decreased since1999,recording the lowest at62.3%in2002after WWII.However,it has leveled off since then,and was64.5%(up by1.0points from the previous year)in2004.
  Cases reported for indecent assault have increased significantly since1999,reaching the postwar record high at10,029in2003.The number decreased by845(8.4%)from the previous year to9,184in2004,but still maintained a high level.The clearance rate has declined sharply since1999,recording the postwar lowest at35.5%in2002.It has leveled off since then,and was39.8%(up by1.0points(id.))in2004.
  As there have occurred heinous cases,it is an urgent issue to research on sexual offenders and take effective measures.