Police say the latest crime statistics show Dorset remains one of the safest areas in the country after experiencing a decrease in crime.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, the county remains in England’s top ten safest areas.
Overall crime in Dorset fell by 2.3 per cent in the 12 months to June this year.
However, residential burglary rose by 8.6 per cent and shoplifting by 19.2 per cent.
Reports of stalking and harassment have continued to fall by 8.1 per cent compared to a previous decrease of 2.9 per cent.
The county has also seen a reduction in violence against the person offences of 4.5 per cent, just under the national average drop of 5.4 per cent.
Racially or religiously aggravated offences decreased 2.3 per cent in Dorset but rose nationally by 6.5 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 are committed to our vision of being the safest county and remain steadfast in our relentless pursuit of criminals who cause harm to our communities, keeping people safe and putting victims first.
“It is positive to see a reduction in rape offences during this period.
“These crimes are abhorrent and we know they have lasting impacts on victims.
“We treat all reports seriously and are committed to supporting victims by providing them with specialist officers, thoroughly investigating offences and working with the CPS to bring offenders to justice.
“We will continue to collaborate closely with our partners, transforming the way we respond to and investigate rape and sexual offences, as well as enhancing the criminal justice journey for victims.
“A recent inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services demonstrated an increase in our recording accuracy for these offences to over 98 per cent.
“This result provides reassurance that victims in Dorset are listened to and believed and that our sexual offences crime data is reliable and can be trusted.
“Like other parts of the country, we have seen an increase in some crimes rates.
“Unfortunately, residential burglary has risen by 8.6 per cent, while shoplifting has increased by 19.2 per cent.
“Even though this rise is well below the national increase of 28.2 per cent, I acknowledge the impact these offences have on our business communities.
“We can attribute some of the increase in shoplifting reporting to our Operation Shopkeeper initiative, which is our approach to supporting retailers who are the victims of these offences.
“Additionally, we’ve seen a welcome reduction in robbery, with a decrease of 12.6 per cent in Dorset compared to the national increase of 6.3 per cent.
“These crimes can cause fear and distress in our communities.
“We continue our dedication to working hard and collaborating with Dorset communities, gathering intelligence and investigating offences, enabling us to target those responsible.
“Additionally, we work closely with our partners and business communities in a comprehensive approach to prevent crime and tackle the root causes.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “I am pleased Dorset has once again seen a fall in overall crime, ensuring we stay one of the safest places in the country.
“These latest figures prove once again that the force continues to deliver for the people who live, work, and visit here and I am determined to ensure this positive trend continues.”