Dorset Police has seen a 2.3 per cent drop in recorded crime, according to new figures released on Friday 17 July 2020.
Data released by the Official for National Statistics, shows the Force has reversed a previous rise in crime in just six months.
Following a crime reduction of 2.3 per cent during the 12 months to the end of March 2020, Dorset how has the eighth lowest crime rate in England and Wales.
This decrease comes against a national rise of 1.4 per cent and marks an improved turnaround from similar figures last September, which showed a rise of two per cent in recorded crime.
Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis has told KeeP 106 that Dorset continues to be one of the safest counties in the country to live and visit.
“This improvement reflects outstanding work done by of all our officers and staff to reduce crime and keep our communities safe. We have made good progress, but we know that every crime matters to our communities so we will continue to focus on driving down crime and providing an outstanding service to the people of Dorset, particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities.
“Crime figures are important of course, but they are only one area of performance we measure. I hope this will help to reassure communities that we are working with them and our local partners to reduce crime and help people to feel safe.”
The total number of crimes reduced from 55,265 to 54,016 over the 12-month period, a reduction of 1,249 (-2.3 per cent) or 1.6 crimes per 1,000 people.
Victim-based crime dropped from 49,213 to 48,272 or 62.6 per 1,000 people, a reduction of 941 (-1.9 per cent).
This makes Dorset the eighth safest police force area in terms of crime per 1,000 people, compared to ninth previously.
Burglary dropped 10.3 per cent overall with residential offences decreasing by 11.9 per cent, set against a national average drop of 9.1 and 9.2 per cent respectively.
Violence against the person rose 2.9 per cent, compared to a 6.7 per cent rise nationally, while violence with injury dropped 3.7 per cent, better than the national average, which was down 1.2 per cent.
Vehicle offences were up 10.7 per cent (national decrease 0.2 per cent) while theft offences dropped nine per cent (national decrease 4.3 per cent).
Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis continued: “This 10.7 per cent rise in vehicle offences equates to an increase of 433 theft from vehicle offences. We actively monitor crime data to identify any crimes series and local officers will continue to carry out regular proactive patrols at vehicle crime hotspots, including rural car parks and beauty spots. As has always been the case, a proportion of vehicles that were targeted by thieves were left insecure or had valuables on display.
“We would urge motorists to make sure they take a number of simple steps to help prevent themselves becoming a victim of vehicle crime. Please don’t make life easy for thieves.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “These figures represent an extraordinary turnaround for the Force and I want to praise every officer and member of staff who has worked so hard to make this incredible reduction happen.
“Dorset residents should be reassured that not only do they live in one of the safest parts of the country, but that their county also has a falling crime rate. I will be continuing to work closely with senior officers during my remaining time in office to make sure that wherever possible we can capitalise on this reduction and ensure the trend continues.”
