Dorset crime on the decline (From Dorset Echo)

Dorset crime on the decline

11:18am Wednesday 9th May 2007 in

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CRIME in Dorset is falling, new figures out today reveal.

Burglary and vehicle crime is at a 10-year low and violent crime has seen its first reduction in seven years, Dorset Police said.

Chief Constable Martin Baker said the figures were evidence that the county was a safe place to live and visit.

He said: "Residents in Dorset can feel confident that they live in one of the lowest crime areas in the country and there has never been such a high probability that criminals in the county will be caught and brought to justice.

"It's a credit to all our staff that crime is at its lowest level for 10 years and the detection rate is among the highest in the county especially when you consider the limited resources available to us."

Comparing the operational year April 2006 to March 2007 with the previous year, domestic burglaries are down 24 per cent, vehicle crime is down by 20.9 per cent and total crime is down by 6.1 per cent.

Violence involving injury is down 13 per cent. In addition, independent research has ranked Dorset the best when compared to forces of similar size.

Mr Baker said: "Reduc-tions in crime have not been achieved by Dorset Police alone.

"The public have played a huge part by taking our advice about safeguarding themselves, and their property - and coming forward with information about crime and criminals.

"The other criminal justice agencies, local authorities and our other partners have also played a significant part in helping to cut crime.

"Nevertheless, there is no room for complacency and we will be relentless in our efforts to make Dorset even safer."

The end-of year results are being promoted in a publicity campaign funded by some of the cash seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Last year the force seized more than £3.5 million from criminals.