Dorset "remains one of the safest counties in the country" as recorded crime drops by 9.3 per cent, according to new figures.

Data released by the Office of National Statistics show that Dorset Police have continued to see a drop in overall crime for the fourth and consecutive quarter.

In early 2020, Dorset Police received a 'Good' grading from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for accurate crime recording. This grading means the reduction of 9.3 per cent during the 12 months to the end of December 2020, places Dorset with the ninth-lowest crime rate in England and Wales.

Dorset Police recognise the impact of Covid-19 and the impact the lockdown periods had on the reduction of some crime types, however, policing the pandemic also raised wider policing challenges, which the force responded to, along with maintaining a strong focus on the crimes that affect the most vulnerable members of our communities, for example, child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse and county lines.

The latest figures also show that compared to the national data, Dorset saw a reduction in violence against the person offences (offences without injury) - a reduction of 3.3 per cent in Dorset compared to an increase nationally of 1.9 per cent.

Similarly, the force experienced a reduction in sexual offences of 12.2 per cent, compared to a reduction of 7.3 per cent nationally.

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Chilton said Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country to live and visit.

He added: "2020 was a challenging year for everyone, and officers and staff worked hard to meet new challenges of policing the pandemic whilst also maintaining a visible police presence, reducing and investigating crime, safeguarding the vulnerable and working with local communities to keep them safe.

"All crime matters to our communities and we will maintain our focus on providing outstanding service to the people of Dorset, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

"Reducing crime is important to everyone. I hope this latest reduction will help to reassure our communities that we are working with them and our partners to focus on what matters."

The total number of crimes reported reduced from 54,388 to 49,351 over the 12 months, reducing 6.5 crimes per 1,000 population.

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