CRIME in the county has fallen for the 17th year in a row- but reports of sexual offences have soared.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show overall reports of crime in Dorset have fallen from 37,212 in 2013 to 35,799 last year.

But the number of reported sexual offences increased by almost 50 per cent.

Sexual offences were reported to police 884 times- an increase of 282 on the previous year’s figure of 602.

There was also an increase of 28 per cent in reported violence against a person crimes.

The other three increases were in people possessing offensive weapons-166 reports compared to 157 in 2013; public order offences were reported 970 times compared to 915 in 2013, and the number of drug offences was up.

The number of reports of burglary, including domestic and non-domestic, fell by 7.3 per cent from 5,004 to 4,641, and theft from a person fell from 585 to 448.

Reports of vehicle offences fell from 4,204 in 2013 to 3,586 and reports of criminal damage and arson also fell by eight per cent from 6,458 to 5,926. Shoplifting offences fell from 5,848 to 5,180 and miscellaneous crimes against society also fell from 368 to 287.

Deputy Chief Constable James Vaughan from Dorset Police said: “We are pleased to see that overall crime continues to fall in the county, continuing a 17-year trend. I am particularly pleased to see property crimes such as burglary, robbery and vehicle thefts fall and this is due to a relentless effort by Dorset Police and its partners.

“However, the fall in numbers of reported crime do not accurately reflect the demand on policing within Dorset which continues to grow.

“A high volume of crime continues to move into cyber-space, meaning people are more likely to have their bank accounts hacked than their garden shed broken into. In our 24-hour society with its reliance on technology, online crime continues to demand the attention of a modern police force.

“It’s also the case the number of violent crimes has risen in Dorset, and this follows a national trend. A rise in the number of crimes reported by victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse is a welcome indicator of increased confidence in the police.

“Over the last year, the force has also strengthened its response to child sexual exploitation and resources have been re-directed to meet the growing demand, awareness and understanding of this complex crime.”

“While it’s clear crime levels in Dorset remain low, their complexity and dimensions are changing significantly.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “As overall recorded crime has fallen for a 17th consecutive year, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that Dorset is one of the safest places to live in the country and that your police force is doing well in helping to reduce crime and keep you safe.

"However, we cannot be complacent, the Chief Constable and I are alive to the violent crime increase and will be monitoring this issue with partners.”