The year that ended with one of the most brutal cases of sexual assault reported in the Capital, also recorded the highest number of rapes, attempts to murder, rioting and robbery in the entire decade, according to the Delhi Police annual report released on Friday.

As many as 706 rape cases were registered in 2012, of which at least 40 happened in the fortnight following the horrific Delhi bus gang rape.

Heinous crime - attempt to murder, rape, dacoity, robbery, kidnapping for ransom - recorded a leap of about 11%, the highest since 2002.

Police commissioner Neeraj Kumar attributed the rise in figures to the prompt registration of cases.

"People now feel more empowered to approach police."

Regarding the rise in rape cases, Kumar admitted that the rate of conviction in Delhi was "much higher" than the national rate.

"We are not taking solace in this," he said.

There was a decline in the number of murders and fatal accidents by 4.5% and 11% respectively.