Crime figures – surge in violent offences and harassment, but local police forces better than national average

THE annual rise in recorded crime in Hampshire and Dorset has come in below the national average of 4%, although violent offences and harassment have seen surges.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) – covering the 12 months to December 2019 – show total crime in Hampshire rose by around 1% from 2018, while it was up 0.3% in Dorset.

In Hampshire crimes involving violence against a person increased by 7% from the previous year, although those which resulted in injury dropped by 2%.

Stalking and harassment accounted for the largest annual increase – up by 42%. Robberies were also up 19%, drug offences by 15%, possession of weapon offences by 10%, and sex offences by 1%.

Decreases from the previous year included vehicle offences, which were down by 6%, theft offences and criminal damage and arson offences, both down by 5%, and burglary, down 1%.

Dorset Police proclaimed the ONS figures showed the county is one of the safest places in the UK, with the ninth lowest recorded crime rate and 11th lowest number of crime victims.

Violence against a person was up 9% from 2018 but, like Hampshire, those which resulted in injury were down by 2%.

Stalking and harassment were also the offences which saw the biggest surge in Dorset, having climbed by 22%, but recorded robberies had almost halved – down 45%.

Vehicle offences rose by 15%, possession of weapons offences were up 6% and sex offences increased by 5%. However, drug offences fell by 11%, burglary was down 9%, and there had been an 8% drop in the number of recorded thefts.

“Dorset Police have excellent crime recording practices, and although we have seen a very small increase in crime over the period, this is far lower than the rest of the country,” said Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis.

“Crime figures are only one measure of our performance and success, but our communities should feel reassured that they remain some of the lowest figures in the country.

“As always, we will be looking at the data to see where we can improve and learn, working with our communities to further prevent crime and, at times, a disproportionate fear of crime.”

Hampshire police was contacted by the A&T for a comment but said it would be unable to respond.