Dorchester crime rates fall as police 'perform miracles' under pressure
Police in Dorchester claim crime is down by 50% year-on-year across the county town.
The crime rate in Dorchester has halved compared to last year, according to local Police.
Speaking at a recent Dorchester Town Council meeting, Sgt Ian Schofield praised his small team of officers and PCSOs for “performing miracles” in keeping the town safe.
He highlighted the challenges his unit faces, including having to support policing in areas such as Bournemouth, which has seen a spike in anti-social behaviour along its seafront this summer.
Despite the additional pressures, the Dorchester team has made major strides in tackling crime.
Officers have recently focused on a spate of shoplifting incidents, often committed by a small number of repeat offenders.
There have also been two major drug busts, one in Marie Road and another in Poundbury, resulting in the seizure of Class A drugs and cash.
During a busy weekend a few weeks ago, the team made 14 arrests while simultaneously reducing a backlog of outstanding cases.
Sgt Schofield said: “They’re doing everything they can to keep Dorchester a safe place.”
Compared to Dorset’s average clear-up rate for reported crimes – which sits at 16% - Dorchester’s neighbourhood team is currently achieving a clear-up rate of 34%.
Recent arrests include suspects in burglaries in Crossways and Osmington, where jewellery was recovered in the Thames Valley
Year-on-year crime across the wider Dorchester area is down around 50%, although the sergeant acknowledged that underreporting of minor crimes could be a factor.
The summer months have brought added pressure, with Dorchester’s population doubling due to tourism, yet with no increase in policing levels.
Sgt Schofield reiterated the team’s commitment to protecting the community under difficult conditions, describing their work as “nothing short of remarkable.”