SCORES of pensioners were arrested on suspicion of committing serious offences in Dorset last year.

Almost 200 OAPs were accused of a range of crimes, from sexual offences to fraud and forgery.

Despite the totals, just 37 have so far been charged with an offence.

During 2015, 96 people aged 65 or over were accused of committing violence against a person - 15 were charged with the offence.

A total of 27 pensioners were held on suspicion of committing sexual offences.

Of this number, four have been charged.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said pensioners arrested are treated in the same way as anyone else.

"Dorset does not have a separate policy in place for arrested people who are aged over 65," the spokesperson said.

"Anyone arrested for an offence is brought into custody and dealt with in accordance with the Authorised Professional Practice to ensure they receive the appropriate care and welfare while in custody."

Although the force can't comment on each case, there are a "number of factors" that may explain the disparity between the number of people arrested and the numbers charged with an offence, the spokesperson added.

"This includes victims not wishing to support an investigation and insufficient evidence," she said.

"Some offenders are also dealt with via out of court disposals such as a caution, restorative justice or diverted to other more appropriate service providers."

Cumbria Police recently revealed that crimes committed by people aged 60 and over - dubbed 'Saga louts' - include theft, sexual offences and fraud.

The most common crime among OAPs in the west of the county was also theft, followed by assault and causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

Arrests Charges

Violence against the person 96 15

Sexual offences 27 4

Burglary 1 0

Theft 13 10

Theft of motor vehicle 1 0

Criminal damage 9 1

Fraud and forgery 11 0

Other offences 17 7

Total 175 37