SHOPLIFTING figures have risen in Dorset over the past year but the police say it is “fully committed” to tackling the offences across the county .

New figures from the Office for National Statistics released yesterday (July 24) show that Dorset has seen 4,641 shoplifting incidents from April 2023 to March 2024, compared to 3,608 up to March 2023 – a 22% increase.

Despite this rise, overall reports of crime have dropped by 3.1% and the county remains in the top 10 safest places to live in the country.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said he understands that the rise in shoplifting will be “concerning” to read.

He said: “I want to assure the public that we are fully committed to driving down these offences.

“A large amount of work is taking place to tackle these crimes which includes the successful initiative Op Shopkeeper alongside significant preventative work, but I acknowledge there is still more to do, and we are committed to delivering that.

“To the residents of Dorset, I want to reassure you that I will continue working relentlessly on your behalf to drive down crime and keep everyone in our county safe.”

Picture: Dorset Police

The county has also seen an increase in residential burglaries (1.2%) as well as a 1.5% increase in theft offences.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “The force has seen an increase in some crimes, which mirrors the picture in other parts of the country.

“Reports of residential burglaries have risen by 1.2%, while nationally there has been a 4% decrease.

“We have also seen a 1.5% increase of theft offences, but this remains lower than the national average increase of 3.2 per cent.

“These crimes cause fear and distress, and we are continuing to work hard with our communities to engage, gather intelligence and investigate crimes so that we can target those responsible.

“We are also working with our partners and business communities in a whole system approach to try and prevent crime and tackle the root causes.”

Across the board in Dorset, the number of sexual offence reports decreased by 7.8% while violence with injury fell by 4%.

Mr Callaghan added: “It is positive to see a reduction in sexual offences during this time.

“These crimes are abhorrent, and we take all reports extremely seriously and will do all we can to ensure victims are supported, offences are thoroughly investigated and offenders are brought to justice.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners in transforming the way we respond to, and investigate rape and sexual offences, as well as improving the criminal justice journey for victims.”