Latest crime statistics have been published that show Dorset continues to be one of the safest areas in the country after experiencing a decrease in crime.
The Office for National Statistics released data on Wednesday 24 July 2024, which confirms that Dorset remains in the top ten safest areas in England. During the 12 months from April 2023 to March 2024, overall crime in Dorset has decreased by 3.1 per cent, against a national average drop of 3.2 per cent.
The number of sexual offence reports decreased by 7.8 per cent, which was an improved picture when compared to the 2.9 per cent reduction seen across the country, while violence with injury fell by four per cent, against a national average drop of 3.1 per cent.
Reports of stalking and harassment dropped by 2.9 per cent, compared to a national decrease of 9.6 per cent. Additionally, vehicles offences reduced by 11.9 per cent, while the national decrease was 6.3 per cent.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “I am pleased to see that Dorset has experienced another decrease in crime and that the county continues to be one of the safest areas to live, work and visit. We continue to strive in our vision to be the safest county and remain driven to relentlessly pursue those criminals who cause the most harm to our communities, keeping people safe and putting victims first.
“It is positive to see a reduction in sexual offences during this time. These crimes are abhorrent, and we take all reports extremely seriously and will do all we can to ensure victims are supported, offences are thoroughly investigated and offenders are brought to justice. We will continue to work closely with our partners in transforming the way we respond to, and investigate rape and sexual offences, as well as improving the criminal justice journey for victims.
“The Force has seen an increase in some crimes, which mirrors the picture in other parts of the country. Reports of residential burglaries have risen by 1.2 per cent, while nationally there has been a four per cent decrease. We have also seen a 1.5 per cent increase of theft offences, but this remains lower than the national average increase of 3.2 per cent. These crimes cause fear and distress, and we are continuing to work hard with our communities to engage, gather intelligence and investigate crimes so that we can target those responsible. We are also working with our partners and business communities in a whole system approach to try and prevent crime and tackle the root causes.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “These latest results contain some positive figures, and I am pleased to see another overall reduction in crime in Dorset. We are a safe county, and these figures prove the work being carried out by the Force alongside my office is delivering positive outcomes in many areas.
“It is encouraging to see a consistent fall in violence with injury offences. I know the impact these offences have not only for victims but on the wider community, and these figures reflect the hard work which has gone into tackling these harmful crimes.
“It is also indicative of the commitment the Force continues to demonstrate over tackling sexual offences, that once again, Dorset has outperformed the national average in seeing a 7.8 per cent fall in these destructive offences. I thank the officers and staff for their ongoing dedication to tackling these heinous crimes.
“I know how frustrating incidents of vehicle crime can be for residents, so I am pleased to see a significant drop in these offences, alongside a fall in public order crimes.
“While much work is taking place to tackle business crime across Dorset, I recognise the rise in shoplifting, which is mirrored nationally, will be concerning. I want to assure the public that we are fully committed to driving down these offences. A large amount of work is taking place to tackle these crimes which includes the successful initiative Op Shopkeeper alongside significant preventative work, but I acknowledge there is still more to do, and we are committed to delivering that.
“I am resolute in my determination to make Dorset the safest place in the country, and I want to thank all the officers, staff, and volunteers for their work. To the residents of Dorset, I want to reassure you that I will continue working relentlessly on your behalf to drive down crime and keep everyone in our county safe.”
Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are continuing to engage with communities across Dorset to reinforce key crime prevention advice to help stop them becoming victims. You can find our latest prevention guidance online: Keep burglars out of your property | Dorset Police
Building an intelligence picture of what is happening in our communities is key in enabling us to relentlessly pursue those intent on causing the most harm to ensure our communities are safe and feel safe. If you have information, please come forward and tell us what you know via our intelligence portal: What is police intelligence? | Dorset Police
