Dorset Police say the county is one of the safest areas to live, work and visit following publication of the latest crime statistics.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), overall crime in Dorset fell by 2.9 per cent in the 12 months to the end of last September.
Violence against the person fell by five per cent, robberies by 19.4 per cent and reports of stalking and harassment by 10.3 per cent but burglaries, vehicle offences and shoplifting were all up.
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 saw a rise of 17.6 per cent in racially or religiously aggravated offences, which is in line with the national 15.3 per cent increase.
“During this reporting period, we have seen a 1.1 per cent increase in residential burglary and business or community burglaries increased by six per cent.
“Vehicle offences have increased by 6.4 per cent, compared to a national drop of 5.5 per cent.
“Shoplifting has increased by 7.2 per cent; however, compared to the October 2024 report of an increase of 19.2 per cent, this drop displays a significant improvement and is well below the national rise of 22.5 per cent.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “Another consecutive fall in overall crime demonstrates why Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country.
“These results are testament to the hard work of Dorset Police officers, staff and volunteers who continue to deliver for the people of this county.
“While these positive results show good progress, I know there is still work to do in some areas and I will continue to scrutinise the Force where this is needed.
“Ultimately, Dorset continues to be one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.”