Crime across Dorset has fallen again, with Bournemouth part of a countywide reduction that keeps Dorset among the ten safest areas in England.
New Office for National Statistics figures show overall crime in Dorset fell by six per cent between October two thousand twenty four and September two thousand twenty five, compared with a national decrease of 1.6 per cent. Victim based crime was down by just over six per cent, while violence against a person fell by more than five per cent.
The data also shows an eleven per cent drop in violent offences where someone was injured. Vehicle crime fell by more than twenty three per cent and theft offences by over eight per cent, reflecting similar national trends.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said the figures were encouraging and highlighted reductions in business burglary and residential burglary, linked to closer working with partners and new tactics to identify and arrest offenders quickly. She also pointed to a reduction in stalking and harassment reports following the introduction of a dedicated High Harm Unit.
There was an increase in shoplifting, rising by seven point six per cent, which Dorset Police say partly reflects improved reporting by businesses and increased patrols.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said the reductions in violence, vehicle crime and burglary were priorities that matter to local people, while acknowledging more work is needed to tackle shoplifting.
