CRIME in East Dorset has risen in the past year – with burglary, theft from vehicles and public order offences seeing the biggest rises.

A report due to go before members of the scrutiny and policy development committee at East Dorset District Council tomorrow, outlines details of the increases, which have led to a rise of 18.9 per cent in total crime, 460 more offences.

Anti-social behaviour is also up

by 18.5 per cent, but police have called for the numbers to be put into context of the actual number of offences as opposed to the percentage rise.

In the report to members, it says: “Taking into consideration the changes to crime recording, reduced officer numbers in line with the national policing picture, which is at last on the increase and the reduced finances available to public authorities, East Dorset remains a very safe place to live and work.

“Focus of activity will be on crimes where there is the greatest threat, risk and harm and resources will continue to focus upon these areas.”

Violence against the person has risen by 24.5 per cent, an extra 156 offences, with minor assaults making up most of the reported incidents.

Sexual offences have also risen by 18.5 per cent – an increase of 12 reports. The majority relate to inter familial and historical offences where the offender is known to the victim.

But there has also been an increase in sextortion where the victim agrees to complete a sexual act via web cam and is then asked for money.

There has been just one more report of robbery this year, with all offences linked to the night time economy.

And the 40 per cent rise in burglary is a mixture of distraction incidents and homeowners being out.

The theft from vehicles – a rise of 50 per cent (77 offences) – include incidents at well known beauty spots.

In relation to criminal damage, where there were 54 more offences, this varies from vandalism to poaching offences.

And 218 additional reports of anti-social behaviour has been put down to the loss of proactive youth teams. The report says there is “some concern” that the data is not accurate.

Members will be asked to note the report.