Latest crime statistics show that Dorset remains one of the safest areas in the country, according to police.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that in 2024, overall crime in Dorset fell by 1.1 per cent.
The figures include a 22.7 per cent fall in robbery offences, compared to a national rise of 0.4 per cent, and a 5.1 per cent drop in violence against the person, in line with the national decrease of 4.4 per cent.
Reports of stalking and harassment also fell by 11 per cent, higher than the national decrease of 8.2 per cent.
But Dorset saw a sharp rise in vehicle offences of 20.7 per cent, when it fell nationally by 6.5 per cent.
Burglary offences also increased in the county in 2024.
Residential burglary rose by 1.6 per cent, against a national decrease of 7.1 per cent, and business burglary rose by 5.5 per cent, again against a national fall of 4.5 per cent.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “I am pleased to see that crime in Dorset has continued to fall, keeping the county one of the safest areas to live, work and visit.
“We have witnessed a direct impact from our high visibility patrols in hotspot areas and seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour from 13,182 incidents reported in 2023 to 12,512 in 2024, a decrease of 5.22 per cent.
“Unfortunately, here in Dorset, we have seen a spike in theft from vehicles of items that had been left on display by owners and a steep increase in keyless thefts of vehicles and joyriding of motorbikes.
“I recognise that burglary crime continues to increase in the county against the national trend.
“The Force is determined to tackle these offences and we have invested in this critical area with a newly formed Neighbourhood Crime Team.
“My ask of our communities is to help us to reduce burglary offences by taking some small measures to protect your home.”