MOST Dorset residents feel safe where they live – although more than thirty per cent believe local crime has increase over the past 12 months.

The figures come from the annual Community Safety Survey commissioned by Dorset Police.

Of those who felt that crime had risen, 60 per cent said reporting in the media had caused them to think that way.

The crime that respondents were most worried about was financial crime (57%), followed by having their shed, garage or outbuilding burgled (45%) and having their house burgled (35%).

53% of respondents were worried about speeding / reckless driving; 46% were worried about cars parked illegally, dangerously or inconsiderately and 33% were worried about anti-social behaviour and disorder in general.

Four out of ten respondents agreed that the police and local council are working in partnership to deal with anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in the area. This represented a seven percentage point drop from the previous year.

17% of respondents disagreed that the police and local council are working in partnership to deal with anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in the area – a five percentage increase from the previous year.

Another survey, looking at rural crime, concluded that policing of rural communities is poor and much worse than in urban areas.

A report to the Dorset Council place scrutiny committee on October 24th says: “crime, and the fear of crime, is leading to emotional strain and a loss of confidence within rural communities, particularly among young people, families and farmers. Communities believe crime in rural areas is a big problem – and is getting worse.”

Another of the findings concludes: “Rural victims feel angry and annoyed that they are not taken seriously by those in positions of power – and the extent of crime is making communities feel vulnerable.”

The report also says that many rural crimes do not get reported because of the perception that the offence will not be taken seriously, or anything done about it.