OVERALL crime has fallen again in Dorset, cementing the county’s position among the ten safest areas in England, according to the latest official figures.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics yesterday (January 29) shows overall crime in the county fell by 6% between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

That compares with a national decrease of 1.6% over the same period.

Victim-based crime dropped by 6.1%, while violence against a person fell by 5.2 %.

The figures also show an 11.4% reduction in violent offences resulting in injury.

The data highlights sharp falls in acquisitive crime, with vehicle crime down by 23.1% and theft offences decreasing by 8.3%, reflecting a trend seen across England and Wales.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell welcomed the figures. She said: “I am encouraged to see that Dorset has experienced yet another decrease in crime and that the county continues to be one of the safest areas to live, work and visit.”

She pointed to a series of reductions in burglary, including an 18.4% fall in business burglary and a 13.4% drop in residential burglaries, attributing the latter to increased arrests and new tactics to identify offenders.

“There has been a 23.1% drop in vehicles offences, exceeding the national decrease of 13.3%,” she said, describing complex investigations into organised criminal groups operating locally and beyond.

The force also reported a 5.6% reduction in stalking and harassment reports, which Farrell said followed the creation of the High Harm Unit in 2024, focused on managing the county’s highest-risk offenders.

However, not all crime types fell. Shoplifting increased by 7.6%, slightly above the national rise of 5.4%.

(Image: Dorset Police)

Ms Farrell said this was partly linked to initiatives encouraging better reporting and increased patrols.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said the figures showed “a positive reduction in overall crime”, while acknowledging that more work was needed in areas such as shoplifting.

“I know the force is wholly committed to tackling these offences and with a new digital system making it even easier to report, I want to encourage retailers to make use of this as it’s already delivering positive results,” he said.

“Being placed firmly within the top 10 safest areas in the country is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of Dorset Police, our partners, and the communities we serve.”

Anyone with information about crime can report it online or via 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.