DORSET Police arrested 1,053 children last year – a fall of 73%, the largest decrease in the country.

Figures released today show the true picture of how many boys and girls under-17s were arrested between 2008 and 2011.

They also reveal that there has been a 73 per cent fall in the number of under-17s arrested in Dorset from the 3,892 recorded in 2008 to the 1,053 last year - the biggest fall of any force in the country and an average of 20 a week

In 2009 some 3,917 were arrested and in 2010 a total of 3,574 were detained in the county.

The figures have been collated by the Howard League for Penal Reform, which has been campaigning to reduce the number of child arrests in the country.

Chief executive Frances Crook said: “It is very pleasing to see that Dorset Police is arresting fewer children than it has in the past.

“An arrest can blight a life and lead to a criminal record for just being naughty.

“The positive change in policing children will release resources to deal with real criminals.”