RECORDED crime in Dorset fell in December by 3.7 per cent to 3,557 incidents compared with the same month a year ago, police said.

Violent crime fell by six per cent to 824 offences, and assaults with less serious injury fell by 6.7 per cent to 332 offences.

Theft of vehicles fell by 20.5 per cent to 66 offences, while criminal damage fell by 17.9 per cent to 699 offences.

Anti-social behaviour fell by 8.8 per cent to 2,938 offences, compared with December 2008.

A police spokesman said the fall in total recorded crime and violent crime was due to proactive and intelligence-led policing, multi-agency planning and working between Dorset Police, local councils, the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service as well as the ambulance service.

Over the new year period – between 10pm on December 31 and 7am on New Year’s Day – Dorset Police dealt with 459 incidents across the county.

Between 10pm on New Year’s Eve and 6.30am on New Year’s Day there were 60 arrests – 12 less than last year for this period.

The annual British Crime Survey found Dorset Police has the highest national public confidence rating among the 43 police forces in England and Wales.