The number of reported crimes in Weymouth and Portland increased this summer compared to 2019.

Reports of anti-social behaviour increased dramatically by more than 25 per cent, while drugs and public order-related offences also saw a slight increase compared to the same period last year.

Overall crime reports in the area have increased from 1,503 in 2019 to 1,690 in 2020, according to the latest police statistics. 

The graph shows how many crimes were reported in June and July 2019 compared to the same period this year. 

From the data it is clear to see that there has been a significant spike in anti social behaviour in the region, with reported incidents increasing by more than 25%. 

This could be due to pubs and bars opening again from July 4 and the government relaxing some lockdown regulations. 

The reported number of public order incidents also increased by 25 per cent, up from 66 to 89 reports this summer. 

However, shoplifting saw a drop of more than 50 per cent. This could be a direct result of covid shopping restrictions and less people frequenting stores in the county. 

Burglary and bicycle thefts saw a slight decrease, this is potentially due to many more people working from home. 

The number of reported violence and sexual offences slightly dropped by 16 reports compared to 2019.

Reports of drugs, thefts from a person and vehicle crimes remained low with similar numbers to that of last year. 

Search through the table below to find how many crimes were reported on your street during summer, this June and July.

Inspector Barry Gosling, of Weymouth police, said: “While most types of crime show a decrease from the equivalent period last year, we recognise there has been an increase in reports in some areas that has resulted in an overall rise.

“Particularly, there has been a significant increase in reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB), some of which can largely be attributed to reported breaches of COVID-19 regulations, which fall under the category of ASB.

“Our figures show environmental ASB is up by more than 50 per cent, largely due to reports of things like illegal camping and other COVID-related matters, while nuisance ASB has increased by more than 40 per cent and this includes things like large gatherings in breach of COVID restrictions, youth ASB which was more visible during lockdown and also ASB linked to street drinking.

“Personal ASB, which involves things like neighbour disputes and can be particularly impactive on people’s lives, on the other hand has seen a decrease of 13.8 per cent.

“We have also seen a small increase in drug related incidents and possessing of offensive weapons, which is due to proactive efforts to identify individuals in possession of weapons or drugs and there has been a slight rise in public order from proactive patrols in Weymouth town centre that have targeted areas of concern in relation to street drinking and ASB over the summer.

“We will continue to work with our partners and the local community to do all we can to ensure Weymouth is a safe place to live, work and visit and we will always look to identify areas of particular concern and take action to increase our visibility in these hotspots.”

Have you noticed an increase in crime in Weymouth and Portland? Let us know in the comments.