FIGURES show the number of stabbings in Bournemouth has reduced in the past four years, but offenders are getting younger.

Local policing area commander chief superintendent Heather Dixey said Dorset Police are not complacent and remain committed in tackling knife crime.

The data revealed by a Freedom of Information request highlighted 48 stabbings in Bournemouth in 2020, 58 in 2021, 42 in 2022 and 26 in 2023.

However, in 2022 the majority of suspects were aged between 20 and 29 years old whereas in 2023 most suspects were below the age of 19.

Ch.Supt. Heather Dixey said: “Youth violence and knife crime is a priority for both Dorset Police and the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) in the BCP area.

“Over the past 18 months, we have worked together to reduce knife-related crime involving young people.

“We have a pro-active enforcement working group, who seek to identify persons we suspect may be involved in or on the periphery of knife crime who will be spoken to with a view to prevent offending.

“We also have a pro-active working group who look at diversionary pathways to support young people away from violent crime.

“This has assisted in the reduction of violent crime and this work continues.

“Furthermore, we analyse hot spots of where crime has been reported to us by members of the public – including knife crime – and we will deploy officers to those areas to reduce those offences.”

The figures show most incidents between 2020 and 2024 resulted in serious injuries, with one fatal casualty each year.

Ch.Supt. Heather Dixey said: “It is also important to note that knife crime is often committed within private premises, which is why working with our local authority partners, enforcing youth justice and educating offenders is so important.

“We also work with our partner agencies and communities to raise awareness of the devastating impact of knife crime and regularly take part in proactive operations – such as knife amnesties and the use of knife arches – to reduce the presence of dangerous weapons on our streets.

“The police and crime commissioner is also funding additional staff to look into how we work jointly with our partners to further reduce and tackle violent crime.

“We also work with schools and other partners to raise awareness around knife crime among young people and encourage the reporting of those in possession of knives.

“We urge anyone who thinks someone they know is carrying a knife to let us know.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.”

The data showed in most incidents the victim either declined or was unable to support in identifying the offender or the victim withdrew their support but officers identified a named suspect.

“We pursue all active lines of enquiry when investigating reports of knife crime with a view to compiling enough evidence to present to the CPS so suspects can be charged and brought before the courts to face justice,” said Ch.Supt. Heather Dixey.

“Where a victim does not support an investigation, it is always our position that we will seek to obtain enough evidence to assist in an evidence-led prosecution if possible.

“However, this does present challenges as victim engagement is ultimately key to securing a prosecution.

“While Dorset does not have the extent of knife crime that is seen in many other areas of the country, we are not complacent and remain committed to doing all we can to tackle this very important issue.”