Dorset Police news site

Latest crime statistics have been published that show Dorset has seen a further decrease in overall crime and remains in the top ten safest counties in England.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday 23 July 2026 show that total crime in Dorset fell by 7.9 per cent between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, compared with a national decrease of 1.4 per cent.

Victim-based crime fell by 7.3 per cent, alongside a 5.8 per cent reduction in violence against a person and a 9.7 drop in violent offences where someone was injured.  

Vehicle crime decreased by 21.2 per cent and theft offences fell by 9.5 per cent, both exceeding the drop seen nationally.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “I welcome the latest figures, which show that crime has fallen again in Dorset and that the county remains one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.

“We have seen a 1.5 per cent reduction in shoplifting offences during this period, which demonstrates our commitment to tackling these offences, protecting retailers from prolific offenders and improving the way in which businesses can submit evidence faster to us by using our new NiCE evidence platform and digital theft packs.

“Our dedicated Retail Crime Team’s current positive outcome rate for cases where stores support police action is more than 65 per cent, more than double the positive outcome rate nationally for all shoplifting offences. We will continue to work with businesses to encourage reporting and raise awareness, alongside increasing our patrols and using additional powers to take action against anyone who is seen to be committing crime.

“Personal anti-social behaviour that deliberately targets individuals or groups has seen a 17.9 per cent fall, while overall anti-social behaviour rose by 4.7 per cent. We will continue to be proactive in our hotspot patrols, weeks of action and partnership working to have a joined approach to taking action that makes a real difference to the lives of our communities.

“Additionally, we have seen a 0.8 per cent reduction across all sexual offences, and a 1.5 per cent drop in rape offences. Tackling violence against women and girls is a key Force priority and we are committed to supporting victims of rape and sexual offences and ensuring robust action is taken against the perpetrators of these abhorrent crimes.

“The Force has also seen a 24 per cent increase of robbery offences – a similar picture seen nationally. This increase was expected as the way in which we record these crimes has changed to better reflect offences committed against both businesses and people. Our detection rate remains high at 10.1 per cent and has increased by 1.4 per cent from last year, meaning more recorded crimes have resulted in a suspect being charged, cautioned, or dealt with through an official legal outcome.

“We recognise the impact this has on victims and we will continue to work closely with our partners in transforming the way we respond to, and investigate these offences, as well as improving the criminal justice journey for victims.

“It has been positive to see decreases for most crime types for the latest reporting period, but we remain driven to relentlessly pursue those criminals who cause the most harm to our communities, keeping people safe and putting victims first.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Once again, I am really pleased to see another fall in crime in Dorset, especially as these reductions are across the board, from the most serious offences to those which have considerable impacts on our residents, communities and businesses.

“A significant reduction in violence with injury offences alongside a fall in sexual offences, rape and stalking and harassment demonstrates the Force’s absolute commitment to tackling these serious crimes. Falls in burglary – both residential and business, vehicle crime and theft are also positive news for our communities, alongside a 20.1% reduction in public order offences.

“I am particularly pleased to see a fall in shoplifting. While I know there is still work to do, thanks to both Dorset Police and my Office this issue is being firmly gripped, and work will continue to raise confidence among businesses through the positive results being delivered.

“However, we cannot become complacent and must continue to tackle anti-social behaviour robustly in lockstep with our partners to ensure incidents are dealt with. Every victim of crime matters, and there are still areas where more needs to be done.

“I know Dorset Police remain absolutely committed to ensuring people in this county are safe and feel safe, and I thank all the officers, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly every day to keep Dorset the fourth safest place in the country.

“I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure Dorset Police maintain the high standards of policing that residents rightly expect. Together, we will continue working to make Dorset an even safer place to live, work and visit.”

If you have information about a crime you can report it to us online at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999. Alternatively, you can report intelligence via our Intelligence Portal at: https://www.dorset.police.uk/police-forces/dorset-police/areas/about-us/local-support-and-guidance/intelligence/ or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. The information you provide will help us to build a picture of what is taking place in our communities.