REPORTS of anti-social behaviour in Dorset rose by 14 per cent in just a year - but dropped by nearly one per cent on average across the rest of England and Wales.

Between March 31 2016 and March 31 2017, the force dealt with significantly more reports.

Bosses at Dorset Police have attributed the rise to warm weather.

Superintendent Caroline Naughton said: "The figure is broadly in line with national average, but Dorset Police has seen a bigger rise.

"There was a spike in anti-social behaviour which happened during the hot weather in late spring and early summer.

"This coincided with the significant demand spike that occurred nationally at the time.

"Analysis of recorded anti-social behaviour shows that a number of reported incidents of such offences to Dorset Police are often matters for other agencies.

"However, they are recorded within the police incident reporting."

The figures came to light in a report compiled by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which assessed Dorset Police as 'good'.

The force recorded a nine per cent rise in recorded crime - lower than an average of 14 per cent across other forces assessed.

Inspectors said: "Dorset Police is good at keeping people safe and protecting them from harm."

The force is making "good progress", it was said.

However, inspectors also noted that there are sometimes delays in responding to non-emergency calls as a result of high demand. Body-worn video cameras have also not yet been provided for all frontline officers.

Deputy Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “I am very pleased that the efforts of our officers and staff have again been recognised positively.

“Every day we deal with a multitude of very different incidents, but what is fundamental for us in dealing with each one of them is the focus on the people affected."

Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “During my term of office, I am determined to work with the force to deliver a wider roll out of body worn video to officers, so that evidence gathering opportunities are maximised and police-led prosecutions can be pursued in cases where vulnerable victims lack the confidence to give evidence.”