SHOPLIFTING is on the rise in Dorset despite the county remaining one of the safest places to live in the UK.
Stats from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released last Thursday (October 23) show that the county has seen a 11.8% increase in shoplifting between July 1 2024 and June 1 2025- something that is becoming more common across the country.
But overall crime fell in Dorset by 2.7% in the same period. More specifically, victim-based crime is down by 3.2% and violent crimes fell by 2.7%.
The force said the reduction in overall crime in the past year reflects officers’ hard work to remain tough on crime.
Deputy chief constable Rachel Farrell said: “During this period, we have seen some marked decreases in crime, including a 10.5% reduction in vehicle offences, a fall in residential burglary by 12.5% and business burglary down by 14.8%.”
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She added: “Like other parts of the country, we have seen an 11.8% increase in shoplifting, just under a national increase of 12.8%.
“We remain resolute in our determination to work with local businesses, shopkeepers and partners to tackle shoplifting and target those responsible.
“While we continue to see improvements through Op Shopkeeper, our initiative for reducing these crimes, we are committed to doing all we can to reduce this crime type and support our business community.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said work to bring down shoplifting offences is ongoing.
“The work to bring down shoplifting offences is focused and ongoing, and alongside the force I will continue to work with businesses and partners to build confidence, encourage reporting and importantly, get the results which matter and bring these offenders to justice,” he said.
To view all reported crime stats, visit www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/policeforceareadatatables
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