Dorset is one of safest places in the country as overall crime falls again
Latest crime statistics have been published that show Dorset has seen a further decrease in overall crime and continues to be one of the top ten safest counties in England.
The Office for National Statistics released data on Thursday 29 January 2026, which confirmed that overall crime fell in Dorset by 6.0 per cent between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, against a national decrease of 1.6 per cent.
Victim-based crime fell by 6.1 per cent, alongside a 5.2 per cent reduction in violence against a person and an 11.4 per cent drop in violent offences where someone was injured.
Vehicle crime decreased by 23.1 per cent and theft offences fell by 8.3 per cent – a similar picture seen nationally.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “These latest crime figures show a positive reduction in overall crime, with significant falls in key areas such as violence, vehicle crime and burglary – priorities which really matter to the people of Dorset.
“While there is more to do in some areas such as shoplifting, I know the Force is wholly committed to tackling these offences and with a new digital system making it even easier to report, I want to encourage retailers to make use of this as it’s already delivering positive results.
“Being placed firmly within the top 10 safest areas in the country is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of Dorset Police, our partners, and the communities we serve, and I thank everyone for their tireless efforts. We know there is still work to do to ensure every resident and visitor feels safe and supported and I remain determined this progress continues in order to reduce crime, prevent harm and support victims, making Dorset an even safer place to live, work and visit.”
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “I am encouraged to see that Dorset has experienced yet another decrease in crime and that the county continues to be one of the safest areas to live, work and visit.
“We have seen significant decreases in several acquisitive crime types during this period, including an 18.4 per cent fall in business burglary. This reduction demonstrates our ongoing commitment to work with 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 13.4 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, arrested and sent to prison as soon as possible.
“There has been a 23.1 per cent drop in vehicles offences, exceeding the national decrease of 13.3 per cent. 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.
“I am pleased to see a 5.6 per cent reduction in stalking and harassment reports. Our High Harm Unit was set up in 2024 and sees a dedicated team monitor the highest risk offenders in the county, with an early intervention approach taken to prevent an escalation in offending and provide better protection to victims. We have seen a positive outcome rate increase of two per cent, demonstrating our focus on the county’s most prolific stalkers, and achieving convictions and desistance.
“The Force has also seen an increase in some crimes, which mirrors the picture in other parts of the country. We have seen a 7.6 per cent increase in shoplifting, just over a national increase of 5.4 per cent. This is partly due to a number of ongoing initiatives as we 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 or anti-social behaviour.”
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