NEARLY forty per cent of repeat knife offenders in Dorset avoid jail time, the joint third-highest rate in the country; according to new figures.

Analysis conducted by the Labour Party of national figures for convictions and cautions found that within the county 38% of those caught reoffending for knife crimes are spared time behind bars.

Only Gloucestershire and Sussex ranked higher at 41%, with Devon and Cornwall Police tying with Dorset for third place.

In response to the figure a Government spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: “While judges decide sentences, those caught carrying a knife are more likely to be sent to jail than they were a decade ago and new laws will see more repeat offenders face time behind bars.”

Dorset Police says that the number of crimes involving knives reported to the force fell by one per cent from 298 in 2020 to 295.

A total of 36 per cent of these victims, 107 individuals, were aged under 25.

Dorset Police insists they take a proactive approach to education when it comes to preventing knife crime.

Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan, the force’s strategic lead for violent crime, said: “In Dorset we do not have the extent of knife crime that is reported in some major metropolitan areas of the country, however, we are not complacent and take a proactive approach to education and prevention around knife crime.

“The harm caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime is devastating and that is why knife crime remains a top priority for Dorset Police. We are committed to reducing knife crime offences in the county.

“Knife crime is not something we can solve alone, and we continue to work closely with schools, charities and community groups to ensure that messages about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife reaches young people in schools and colleges.

“Changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 mean that from Wednesday April 6 it has become harder for young people to buy weapons, both at the point of sale and delivery.

“These new measures will go some way to taking weapons off the streets and make it more difficult for people to get hold of knives and other dangerous items in the first place.

“We also regularly take part in the national Op Sceptre knife amnesty campaign and carry out other proactive work to raise awareness of the issues around knife crime.

“We would encourage anyone with concerns about a knife carrier to contact Dorset Police so we can take action and if appropriate put safeguarding measures in place to protect anyone who may be vulnerable.”