CRIME in Dorset rose by 1.4 percent between April 2022 and March 2023, new figures reveal.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, released today (July 20), showed the rise in overall crime between April 1 2022 and March 31 2023, less than the national average of 4.8 per cent.

The figure means Dorset is ranked the sixth safest area in the country.

ONS data showed crimes of violence against the person decreased by 0.6 per cent, while violence with injury fell by 5.8 per cent, compared to a national increase of 1.2 per cent.

Reports of sexual offences dropped by 0.2 per cent, compared to a national rise of 0.9 per cent.

Additionally, reports of rape offences reduced by 3.5 per cent, compared to a national decrease of 1.5 per cent.

Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, of Dorset Police, said: “It is promising to see that Dorset has remained in the top 10 safest counties across England and Wales, maintaining our position in sixth place.

“We work hard to relentlessly pursue criminality, and prevent and detect crime. We utilise the data to identify harm in our communities and target certain crime types to keep people safe. We remain driven in our efforts to be the safest county in the country.”

Deputy Chief Constable Sam de la Reya. Picture: Dorset Police

Increases included in burglaries involving business and community premises, such as shops and village halls, which rose by 12.9 percent, compared to a national increase of 13.6 percent.

Vehicle-related offences also increased, by 16.7 percent, above the national increase of 12.5 per cent.

“I would ask motorists to help us reduce the chances of it from happening by taking some simple preventative actions, such as locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, and keeping your keys safe, out of view and away from your front door,” Deputy Chief Constable de Reya added.

“Try not to leave items on display, and if you can’t take your items with you, always try to hide them so they aren’t in plain sight.”