Vehicle Theft on the Rise in Dorset as Police Warn of Growing Criminal Boldness

Dorset’s reputation as one of the safest counties in the country is increasingly being tested, as vehicle theft and related offences continue to rise — raising serious questions about policing priorities, criminal deterrence, and accountability.

Recent figures released by Dorset Police show that vehicle-related crime increased significantly during 2024, bucking the national trend and leaving many residents concerned about the direction of travel going into 2025.

According to official data, theft of motor vehicles in Dorset rose by more than 20 per cent in 2024, even as similar crimes fell across much of England and Wales. More than 1,100 vehicles were reported stolen last year — up from 902 in 2022 — representing a sharp escalation in criminal activity targeting motorists.

Senior officers at Dorset Police have acknowledged the problem, citing a rise in thefts from residential driveways, public car parks, and incidents involving modern keyless vehicles — crimes that are often highly organised and difficult to detect once offenders have escaped.

For many residents, the figures confirm what they are already seeing locally: criminals appear increasingly confident, while law-abiding motorists are left to bear the cost.

A local resident in West Dorset said:

“People do everything right — lock their cars, park sensibly — and still wake up to find their vehicle gone. Criminals know they can get away with it.”

Although full 2025 annual figures have not yet been published, partial data and monthly neighbourhood crime reports show that vehicle crime remains persistent across Dorset. Police have confirmed that thefts are still being recorded regularly in towns including Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Dorchester.

Police leaders have warned that without stronger deterrence, vehicle crime risks becoming entrenched — particularly as organised gangs exploit technology and gaps in enforcement.

Recently Dorset News and Air have been notified of various thefts at the beginning of 2026 specifically of transit vans and Caravans.