Dorset continues to stand out as one of the safest places in England, with the latest official figures confirming a further and significant fall in crime across the county.
New data released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday, 29 January 2026, shows overall crime in Dorset fell by 6.0 percent between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025. This compares favourably with the national picture, where crime decreased by just 1.6 percent over the same period. The figures firmly place Dorset within the top ten safest counties in England.
The reductions span some of the crimes that matter most to residents. Victim-based crime fell by 6.1 percent, while violence against a person dropped by 5.2 percent. Particularly encouraging is an 11.4 percent reduction in violent offences where someone was injured, underlining the county’s continued progress in tackling serious harm.
Acquisitive crime has also seen marked improvements. Vehicle crime fell by an impressive 23.1 percent, well above the national reduction of 13.3 percent, while theft offences declined by 8.3 percent. Business owners have also benefited from an 18.4 percent fall in business burglaries, alongside a 13.4 percent reduction in residential burglaries.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said the figures were a clear reflection of sustained, targeted policing and strong partnership working across Dorset.
“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,” she said.
She highlighted the success of new tactics aimed at identifying and disrupting offenders quickly, as well as complex investigations that have dismantled organised criminal groups involved in vehicle theft and wider criminal networks operating both in the UK and abroad.
The data also points to progress in protecting some of the most vulnerable victims. Reports of stalking and harassment fell by 5.6 percent, following the establishment of Dorset Police’s High Harm Unit in 2024. The unit focuses on early intervention and close monitoring of the county’s highest-risk offenders, helping to prevent escalation and improve victim safety. Positive outcome rates in these cases have risen, demonstrating increased effectiveness in securing convictions and long-term desistance.
While the overall picture is overwhelmingly positive, the Force has been open about areas where challenges remain. Shoplifting rose by 7.6 percent, slightly above the national increase of 5.4 percent. Police say this rise is partly linked to improved reporting, closer collaboration with retailers and increased patrol activity, ensuring offences are recorded and dealt with rather than overlooked.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick welcomed the figures, describing them as a strong endorsement of the Force’s priorities and the professionalism of officers and staff.
“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 that really matter to the people of Dorset,” he said.
He added that Dorset’s continued place among the ten safest areas in the country reflects the collective efforts of police, partners and local communities, while stressing that work will continue to ensure everyone feels safe and supported.
Taken together, the latest statistics paint a reassuring picture: Dorset is not only maintaining its reputation as a safe county but steadily improving it. Through targeted policing, early intervention, and strong community partnerships, the county continues to show that sustained reductions in crime are both achievable and deliverable.
Anyone with information about crime in Dorset can report it online or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, helping police to keep Dorset one of the safest places in England to live, work and visit.
