Dorset remains among the safest areas in the country as overall crime falls again
Latest crime statistics show Dorset has seen a further drop in overall crime and remains in the top ten safest counties in England.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday 22 October 2026 show that total crime in Dorset fell by seven per cent between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, compared with a national decrease of 0.7 per cent.
Deputy Chief Constable Steve Lyne, of Dorset Police, said: “I am pleased to see that crime continues to fall and that Dorset remains one of the safest areas in the country.
“We have experienced significant reductions in several acquisitive crime types during this period, including an 8.8 per cent reduction in business burglary. This reduction demonstrates a clear commitment from our teams to ensure the public are better informed on preventative measures and our efforts to work alongside our partners and business communities in a whole-system approach to try and prevent crime and tackle the root causes.
“Additionally, we have seen a 9.4 per cent reduction in residential burglaries, having increased our arrests and charged more offenders by using new tactics to identify the criminals and ensure they are found early, arrested and sent to prison as soon as possible.
“Through continued investment in neighbourhood policing, partnership working and dedicated investigative teams, we are strengthening our response to burglary and supporting victims throughout the process. A key part of that work is the expertise and determination of Dorset Police’s Neighbourhood Crime Team – the Force’s team dedicated to investigating burglaries – whose officers work tirelessly to identify offenders, secure evidence and protect the public.
“Our efforts to reduce burglaries are ongoing and there are many ways we can protect our homes from these criminals. Consider finding your local Neighbourhood Watch group so you can partner with other residents to reduce crime. Go to www.ourwatch.org.uk to find out what groups are active in your area and to register to join. For more advice on how to keep your home secure, visit: https://www.dorset.police.uk/protectyourhome
“Victim-based crime fell by 6.7 per cent, alongside a seven per cent reduction in violence against a person and a 10.7 per cent drop in violent offences where someone was injured. We know preventative work plays a huge role in this, and our ongoing work to tackle these offences includes the Skills 4 Safer Streets initiative, allowing us to provide vital education to young people in schools, using physical activity and practical learning to educate them on knife crime and its dangers. Early intervention is key when it comes to keeping young people and our communities safe.
“Vehicle crime decreased by 7.4 per cent and theft offences fell by 7.6 per cent – both exceeding the drop seen nationally. A contributing factor is how successful we have been with some highly complex investigations into organised criminals. We continue to tackle whole crime groups from the street level thieves who are breaking into and stealing cars, onto those who buy the stolen cars and then the organised groups who sell the vehicles in the UK and abroad.
“We have useful preventative advice on our website. Don’t let the thieves have an easy ride: Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Dorset Police
“Our positive outcome rate for shoplifting offences has increased by nearly 18 per cent over the last year, reflecting our continued focus on tackling retail crime and bringing offenders to justice. The work of our Incident Resolution Centre is helping us respond to reports of theft more quickly, support victims sooner and take prolific offenders off the streets – this all forms part of our ongoing efforts to protect communities and businesses.
“The Force has also seen a 23.6 per cent increase of robbery offences, higher than the national rise of 9.7 per cent. 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. While business robberies remain a substantial contributor to overall figures, the rise associated with these recording changes is now starting to stabilise.
“We recognise the impact these offences have on victims and are committed to working closely with our partners to prevent offending, target those responsible for repeat crimes and strengthen the way we respond to and investigate offences. Through targeted patrols and proactive enforcement activity in identified areas, we will continue to protect our communities while ensuring victims receive the support and service they deserve throughout the criminal justice process.
“While it is encouraging to see reductions in most crime types during the latest reporting period, these results are only possible because of the dedication, professionalism and hard work of our officers, staff and volunteers, as well as the close working relationship we have with our partner agencies.
“Our focus very much remains with relentlessly pursuing those who cause the most harm to our communities so we can make Dorset a safe county for everyone.”
David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset said: “I am delighted that Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country with the latest figures showing a positive downwards trend on crime and a reduction of nearly 4,000 offences – which means 4,000 less victims.
“Dorset remains amongst the top five counties, and these latest figures are encouraging and reflect the hard work taking place across Dorset to prevent crime, support victims and bring offenders to justice.
“Maintaining a position in the top five takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and I would like to thank all the officers, staff and volunteers involved.”
If you have information about a crime, you can report it 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.