DORSET has been named as one of the safest counties in England and Wales after figures show a drop in recorded crime.

Dorset Police has seen a six per cent drop in recorded crime, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and has the ninth lowest crime rate across England and Wales.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics show the force has continued to see a drop in overall crime for the sixth consecutive quarter and covers the 12 months to the end of June 2021.

Dorset Police recognises the impact of Covid-19 throughout the last year and the effect the lockdown periods had on the reduction of some crime types.

Deputy chief constable, Sam de Reya said: "Whilst the impact of the pandemic resulted in some crime reduction, we experienced an extremely busy summer period in Dorset with the county receiving over 25 million day visitors throughout the year.

"The published data shows a sustained reduction of crime throughout the year, demonstrating the hard work and professionalism of our officers and staff who have continued to deliver services in a challenging policing environment."

The force said a strong focus was on preventing and detecting crime that affects the most vulnerable members of communities, for example, domestic abuse, serious sexual offences, and violent crime.

The latest figures show Dorset Police has delivered a reduction in violence against the person offences - a reduction of 1.9 per cent in the county compared to a national increase of eight per cent.

Violence with injury dropped by seven per cent, compared to the national average that was down by 3.7 per cent. Victim Based Crime saw a reduction from 46,116 to 42,972, a decrease of 6.8 per cent.

The total number of crimes reported reduced from 51,997 to 48,873 over the 12 months to the end of June 2021, reducing four crimes per 1,000 of the population.

Deputy Chief Constable Sam De Reya said: "We're committed to reducing and preventing sexual offences, including rape.

"Through investment, we're increasing the number of specialist trained officers to improve investigation standards, working with our partners to improve the journey for victims and increase positive outcomes.

"We will continue to encourage victims to report offences."

David Sidwick, police and crime commissioner for Dorset, said: "I've launched my Police and Crime Plan for Dorset, and the vision, which lays at the heart of that Plan, is for Dorset to become the safest county in England and Wales.

"I acknowledge that this report falls within the auspices of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Dorset has continued to see a drop in overall crime for the sixth consecutive quarter."

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