Rates of knife crime in Dorset continue to decline
Rates of knife crime in Dorset are continuing to decline, with ongoing efforts by the Force and partners to tackle these offences.
Incidents of knife crime have continued to decrease in the county year on year, with rates between April 2025 and April 2026 nine per cent lower than they were between April 2024 and April 2025. Positive outcome rates for reported knife related crimes have increased during this period too.
Dorset Police is also currently first nationally for its volume of offences versus population – this means you are less likely to be the victim of a knife offence in Dorset than anywhere else in the country.
These positive results follow robust enforcement, continued strong partnership working and the co-operation of the public.
Home Office funded hot spot patrols have been particularly beneficial for the Force and partners. These use data to specifically target locations that have the highest volume reports of serious violent crime and/or knife crimes.
There has been a significant uplift in high visibility patrols from police officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Community Safety Patrol Officers (CSAS), with policing powers used for arrests, seizures of weapons, dispersal notices and stop and searches.
The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will ensure a continued uplift in uniformed patrols at peak times in locations with high footfall to continue to make our communities safe.
While rates of knife crime are low and Dorset remains a safe place to live, one person carrying a knife is one person too many and it therefore remains a priority to tackle this type of offending.
This week, as part of continued efforts, Dorset Police is taking part in the Sceptre campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
The initiative, running from Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May 2026, sees police forces across the country intensify their efforts to crack down on knife crime.
Various activities have been lined up to take place in Dorset, including public engagement events using knife arches, weapons sweeps and educational presentations at schools, providing information about the dangers of knife carrying and offering support.
Knife surrender bins will also be provided at the Bournemouth, Weymouth and Blandford police stations during the week of activity. Those who carry knives are encouraged to surrender them without question or repercussions from police, to help keep themselves and others safe.
As well as this, weapon sweeps will be taking place, with officers focusing on ‘hot spots’ identified by intelligence.
Detective Superintendent Andy Bell, knife crime lead for Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police relentlessly strives to remove knives from our streets and pursue those who choose to carry them and commit offences.
“These latest statistics are really pleasing to see and follow ongoing efforts by the Force and partnership working.
“The national Sceptre week is an important part of this work and gives us an opportunity to highlight and intensify our efforts even further.”
Cllr Andy Martin, BCP Council’s Cabinet member for communications, said: “This positive progress is a testament to on-the-ground partnership work that goes into the heart of communities: from youth outreach and school engagement to targeted enforcement and safeguarding vulnerable individuals, giving practical support and meaningful options to those at risk.
“Independent figures consistently show Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as among the safest places to live in the country: with crime falling year on year. It’s important when we talk about criminality, whilst we know there is always more to be done, that we remember that context.
“But let’s be clear: no-one should ever be the victim of knife crime. Its impact is profound and we will continue to work with the police and community organisations, through the SaferBCP Partnership, to intervene early, reduce risk, and protect our communities.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Dorset may have the second lowest knife crime rates in the country but let me be clear, we will not tolerate any level of violence in our communities. Complacency is not an option.
“Tackling knife crime remains a key priority for both my Office and Dorset Police and we are determined not just to maintain our strong position, but to drive these offences down even further.
“The message could not be clearer: carrying a knife makes you less safe, not more. It increases the risk of serious harm and devastating consequences.
“Through the focused work of my Office’s Violence Reduction and Prevention Team, alongside Dorset Police’s robust enforcement, education and prevention activity, we are taking decisive action. Together, we are ensuring Dorset remains a safe place for everyone, and that those who choose to carry weapons will face the consequences.”
If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Dorset Police online via the website.
You can also report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life.
Retailers can visit this website for guidance on selling knives: www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance