Dorset is one of the safest places to live

Scott Williams Local News, Uncategorized

Dorset’s crime rate has fallen by 2.3 percent in the past six months, according to the new Office for National Statistics data.

Dorset Police have reversed a previous rise in crime in just six months.

The crime rate dropped by 2.3 percent in the 12 months up to the end of March 2020, while national crime rates have gone up by 1.4 percent.

David Lewis (DCC)

Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis said;

“Dorset continues to be one of the safest counties in the country to live and visit.

This improvement reflects outstanding work done by of all our officers and staff to reduce crime and keep our communities safe.

We have made good progress, but we know that every crime matters to our communities so we will continue to focus on driving down crime and providing outstanding service to the people of Dorset, particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Crime figures are important of course, but they are only one area of performance we measure. I hope this will help to reassure communities that we are working with them and our local partners to reduce crime and help people to feel safe.”

Victim-based crime dropped from 49,213 to 48,272 or 62.6 per 1,000 people, a reduction of 941 (-1.9 per cent).

Some figures from the data show;

  • Dorset now 8th lowest crime rate
  • Burglary is down 10.3%
  • Crime fell by 2.3%
  • 1,249 fewer crimes in the year up to March 2020
  • Violence against the person is up 2.3% but violence with injury is down by 3.7%
  • Vehicle crime has risen by 433 (10.7%)

Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis continued:

“This 10.7 per cent rise in vehicle offences equates to an increase of 433 theft from vehicle offences. We actively monitor crime data to identify any crimes series and local officers will continue to carry out regular proactive patrols at vehicle crime hotspots, including rural car parks and beauty spots.

As has always been the case, a proportion of vehicles that were targeted by thieves were left insecure or had valuables on display.

We would urge motorists to make sure they take a number of simple steps to help prevent themselves becoming a victim of vehicle crime. Please don’t make life easy for thieves.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said:

“These figures represent an extraordinary turnaround for the Force and I want to praise every officer and member of staff who has worked so hard to make this incredible reduction happen.

Dorset residents should be reassured that not only do they live in one of the safest parts of the country, but that their county also has a falling crime rate. I will be continuing to work closely with senior officers during my remaining time in office to make sure that wherever possible we can capitalise on this reduction and ensure the trend continues.”