Richmond police are the best force in the Met for dealing with domestic violence and their success is being echoed in the courts, according to new figures.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says Richmond has the fourth highest conviction rate for domestic violence in London – a crime from which 10 per cent of all murders originate.

Borough commander Rick Turner, whose officers were given a commendation by the Met’s assistant commissioner last week for their 88 per cent arrest rate and 64 per cent crime detection rate when dealing with the offence, said such crimes were put on their radar early and kept on police record.

He added: “The end of year figures for domestic violence clearly show the system we have in place in the borough is working.

“Our relationships with partners both voluntary and statutory are having a positive effect and the borough is very proud to be number one in the Met for tackling this serious crime.”

Crown prosecutor for Richmond Kate Handley said: “Although we have seen a rise in the number of domestic violence prosecutions and convictions in Richmond it does continue to be a hidden problem throughout the borough and one which my team of prosecutors takes extremely seriously.

Tackling domestic violence is a priority for the CPS and we will do everything possible to help victims and any children that may also be involved.

“Many victims are reluctant to speak out about domestic violence, but I hope that by seeing the high conviction rates Richmond has achieved it will encourage more people to come forward.”

From the beginning of April 2007 to the end of March 2008, the borough saw 92 prosecutions for the crime but only 48 were successful while 44 failed –a conviction rate of 52.2 per cent.

However, between April 2008 and the end of March 2009 the results have seen a sharp increase for the better. One hundred and one prosecutions were made and 74 were successful, with only 27 failing – a 73.3 per cent conviction rate.