THERE has been a 53 per cent increase in the number of cautions and convictions following knife and offensive weapon offences in Dorset since 2014.

Figures released by the Ministry for Justice show there were 221 offences in 2017, up from 207 the previous year and 144 four years ago.

The increase is matched nationally with a total of 20,966 cautions or charges in 2017, an increase of 1,686.

Dorset Police says despite a rise in the number of crimes where a knife was involved, the number of stabbings and violent crimes involving a knife had decreased in that time.

The number of cautions and convictions in Dorset is the 13th lowest of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, but it is the highest recorded figure for the county since 2010.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police, said: “There has been a rise in knife crime nationally and this has also been reflected in Dorset.

“This is in part due to better recording of incidents when a bladed item has been involved, but also as a result of issues such as county lines drug networks, which is also seen in other areas of the country, and other serious organised crime groups.

“While crime where a knife has been involved has risen in Dorset, actual stabbings and violent crimes involving a knife have decreased.

“The majority of knife crimes in Dorset involve a relationship between the victim and suspect - stranger incidents are still rare.”

Police resources have been under scrutiny in recent months as the precept paid to Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner through council tax is increasing from next month.

The statistics show convictions and cautions have increased for three years in a row across the county, but the spokesperson said Dorset Police is committed to reducing knife crime.

“Our aim is to disrupt knife crime among individuals we know to be responsible; while not disproportionately raising the fear of knife crime for the population of Dorset, who are able to live, work, visit and enjoy one of the safest places in the country,” the spokesperson said.