Crime, Dorset | Posted on July 25th, 2024 | return to news
Dorset counted among the top 10 safest areas in England
New crime stats reveal Dorset remains one of the safest areas in the country following a decrease in crime.
New data released by the Office for National Statistics in July revealed that Dorset remains in the top 10 safest areas in England, thanks to a decrease in crime.
According to the ONS, overall crime dropped by 3.1 per cent from April 2023 to March 2024.
The number of sexual offence reports decreased by 7.8 per cent, compared to a 2.9 per cent reduction seen across the country, while violence with injury fell by four per cent, against a national average drop of 3.1 per cent. Vehicles offences reduced by 11.9 per cent, while the national decrease was 6.3 per cent.
However, there were some causes for concern. Burglaries in Dorset rose by 1.2 per cent, compared to a national decrease of four per cent. Theft offences increased by 1.5 per cent, thought this was lower than the national average increase of 3.2 per cent.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan of Dorset Police said: “I am pleased to see that Dorset has experienced another decrease in crime and that the county continues to be one of the safest areas to live, work and visit. We continue to strive in our vision to be the safest county and remain driven to relentlessly pursue those criminals who cause the most harm to our communities, keeping people safe and putting victims first.
“It is positive to see a reduction in sexual offences during this time. These crimes are abhorrent, and we take all reports extremely seriously and will do all we can to ensure victims are supported, offences are thoroughly investigated, and offenders are brought to justice.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “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.
“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.”
Dorset’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams continue to engage with communities across Dorset to reinforce key crime prevention advice to help stop them becoming victims. Here is the latest guidance for preventing burglaries.
The police also rely on intelligence to keep communities. If you have information regarding crime, please come forward and share what you know via Dorset Police’s intelligence portal.
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