Dorset loses position as seventh safest county for crime

The county has dropped down a space from seventh to eight safest in England and Wales for reported crime, excluding fraud, for the year ending March 2024. 

But despite this, reported crime – which doesn’t count crime that is unreported – has decreased by 3.1 per cent, the newly published numbers say. 

Assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said he recognises the drop, explaining it is “largely down to a significant decrease in crime for another force in the country”. 

He said: “The difference between the two forces remains small with Dorset having 64.7 crimes per 1,000 population and the other having 64.3 crimes per 1,000 population.” 

Shoplifting is at a record high, robbery is up 6.1 per cent and people caught with an offensive weapon is up 22 per cent. 

However, sexual offences that are reported are down by 7.8 per cent, violence with injury is down by four per cent and reports of stalking and harassment has dropped by 2.9 per cent. 

Mr Callaghan added: “I would like to reassure our communities that we remain committed to driving forward improvements and continue to conduct detailed analysis of our demand and resource management to ensure we have the right people in the right places.” 

Despite the fall in the league table, Dorset Police said it is “pleased” to remain in the top 10 safest counties. 

Police and crime commissioner David Sidwick (Image: Daily Echo)

Dorset's police and crime commissioner David Sidwick said: “The most important thing is that Dorset has seen a fall in crime with positive results in serious crimes including violence against the person, sexual offences and stalking and harassment.

“Although the overall position is a useful single figure, we must be mindful of the data which shows a very small difference. I will be discussing with the chief constable what needs to happen to ensure our progress towards becoming the safest place continues.

“It remains a significant achievement that Dorset continues to be in the top ten safest places in the country. We will build upon these results and as ever, remain relentless in our mission to drive down crime in our county.”

He added: “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.” 

He added: “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.”