Dorset remains the sixth safest area in the country after experiencing a rise in crime markedly lower than other parts of England and Wales.
The Office for National Statistics released data on Thursday, 27 April 2023, which shows that overall crime rose by 3.7 per cent in Dorset during the 12 months to 31 December 2022. This increase is significantly less than the national average of 8.5 per cent and puts Dorset as the sixth safest area in the country.
A rise in crime was expected in part due to these statistics being compared to the same time in 2021, when crime fell as a direct result of the national and regional COVID-19 lockdown in January 2021.
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Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “It is encouraging to see that Dorset Police has remained in the top ten safest counties across England and Wales. I am pleased to see we have maintained our position in sixth place. We strive to be the safest county in the country and remain driven to relentlessly pursue those criminals who cause the most harm to our communities, keeping people safe and putting victims first.
“We are also committed to improving victim care and customer service for everyone who contacts Dorset Police by improving our processes. The recent introduction of our Single Online Home website has made it easier for people to report crime online.
“Tackling overall violent crime, sexual offences and violence against women and girls remains a Force priority and we are committed to maintaining our work in this area to reduce offences, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice. It is critical that victims understand that they will be listened to and supported. We continue working with colleagues in the Crown Prosecution Service to improve the services offered to those who report rape and other serious sexual offences.“