Dorset crime falls 7 percent despite rise in robberies

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 06:02 · Archive

Crime in Dorset fell by seven per cent in the year to June 2026, outpacing the national decrease, though robbery offences rose by nearly a quarter.

Crime in Dorset fell by seven per cent between July 2025 and June 2026, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics, significantly outpacing the national decrease of 0.7 per cent. Victim-based crime decreased by 6.7 per cent, with violence against the person dropping by seven per cent and violent offences causing injury falling by 10.7 per cent. Vehicle crime fell by 7.4 per cent and theft by 7.6 per cent, whilst business burglaries decreased by 8.8 per cent and residential burglaries by 9.4 per cent.

Robbery offences in Dorset rose by 23.6 per cent, however, far above the 9.7 per cent national increase. Deputy Chief Constable Steve Lyne of Dorset Police said the rise was expected due to changes in how offences are recorded, particularly those capturing offences against businesses more accurately.

Mr Lyne said: 'I am pleased to see that crime continues to fall and that Dorset remains one of the safest areas in the country.' He added that the force was committed to working with partners to prevent offending and target those responsible for repeat crimes, with targeted patrols and proactive enforcement in identified areas.

How it is being reported

• Dorset still ‘one of safest places to live’ amid rise in robbery reportsOverall crime in Dorset has fallen, but robbery reports are more than double the national average, new figures show.Dorset Echo · 25 Oct, 05:00
• Dorset crime falls by 7 percent amid robberies rising by nearly a quarterDorset Police say crime is continuing to fall, with the county remaining one of the safest in England.Bournemouth Echo · 23 Oct, 11:58

In this story: Dorset · Dorset Police · Steve Lyne · Office for National Statistics

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