STALKING and harassment offences in Dorset have risen by more than 20 per cent in a year.

They are among numerous offences to see an increase in the year to the end of December 2019.

But many other crimes have seen reductions including a fall of 45 per cent in robbery.

Crimes to rise include violence against the person, sex offences, vehicle crime and public order offences.

Those in decline include theft, burglary, bike theft and violence with injury.

Latest figures released by the Office of National Statistics show a 0.3 per cent increase in crime for Dorset, against a national rise of four per cent.

Dorset has the ninth lowest recorded crime rate and 11th lowest numbers of victims of crime.

Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis said: “Dorset Police have excellent crime recording practices and although we have seen a very small increase in crime over the period, this is far lower than the rest of the country.

“Crime figures are only one measure of our performance and success, but our communities should feel reassured that they remain some of the lowest figures in the country.

“As always, we will be looking at the data to see where we can improve and learn, working with our communities to further prevent crime and, at times, a disproportionate fear of crime.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “The figures demonstrate very clearly that Dorset continues to be one of the safest places to live, with a Force that punches above its weight. Although dealing with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is clearly the priority, I will be examining these figures very closely and discussing with the Chief Constable what the Force is able to do better.”

The figures do not include any data related to coronavirus or the time period of the 2020 COVID restrictions.

DCC Lewis added: “Any crime has a significant impact on a victim and we will always do everything possible to put the victim at the forefront of our minds and investigation.

“Policing has faced some significant challenges in recent years, but the fact Dorset remains safe is a complement to our staff, officers and partnerships with our communities.

“We will always seek to build on this to ensure communities are at the heart of everything we do.”