DESPITE a rise in crime, Dorset is now the sixth safest area in England and Wales with crime figures notably lower than in other counties.

Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that crime rose five per cent in Dorset in the 12 months up to June 2022. This is less than half of the national average rise which is 12.5%

Like previously released statistics, a rise in crime during this period was expected as the figures are directly compared with the same months in 2020 and 2021 in which the country was subjected to national and regional COVID-19 lockdowns and saw a significant fall in crime.

David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, said: “I am really pleased to see that Dorset has gone up to sixth in the ratings for being one of the safest counties in England and Wales – it is my aim to make Dorset the safest county and so seeing us go up in the ratings is both validation for the work that is happening in the county and good news for the people of Dorset.

“Despite crime figures going up, I am pleased to see that they are less than half the rate of the national average here in Dorset, with reductions in crime across many of the areas directly related to my Police and Crime Plan, including stalking and harassment and anti-social behaviour.

"I am particularly pleased to note that there has also been a considerable drop in both business crime and community crime over the last year.

“I would like to thank all the officers, staff and volunteers involved in keeping our residents and communities safe and I vow to continue to work alongside the Chief Constable, as well as all our other invaluable stakeholder partners to make Dorset the safest county.”