BOURNEMOUTH has been named the worst seaside hotspot for car crime, according to latest data. 

Figures on Police.UK show 493 vehicle crimes were reported in the seaside town in 2023.

The town experienced an average of 36 reported incidents of vehicle crime per month in 2023, with reports spiking at the height of summer in August, with 49 reported crimes.

Poole ranked third highest for vehicle crimes with 431 reported incidents.

Now, Dorset Police is working to tackle the vehicle crime epidemic.

Detective superintendent Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police takes all reports of vehicle crime seriously and we will consider all proportionate and available lines of enquiry in order to investigate reported incidents.

“We have successfully reduced the volume of theft from motor vehicle crimes by more than 17 per cent over the past year, which meant there were over 500 fewer victims than in the previous 12 months.

“This was achieved through focussing on hotspots for vehicle crime, where we have worked with local partner agencies to improve deterrents, identify and arrest repeat offenders and ensure detailed evidence of offending behaviour is put before the courts so that they can be dealt with appropriately.

“We understand that vehicle crime is extremely frustrating for motorists who are targeted and we continue to encourage members of the public to report all incidents to us.

“As well as investigating reports where there are viable lines of enquiry, we will continue to monitor for patterns of offending and where we see an increase in reports in a particular area, local officers will respond with increased patrols in the vicinity.

“Where we become aware of a spate of vehicle crime in a particular area, officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be assigned to the area to carry out reassurance visits. They will also be looking for any opportunity to identify individuals involved through enquiries such as CCTV enquiries and house-to-house.

“We will also proactively target known offenders who commit this type of crime using various means, including intelligence, to prosecute where possible."