Knife crimes hit record high in Dorset

Hundreds of criminals were sentenced or cautioned for knife and weapon offences in Dorset in the year to March - a record high.

Ministry of Justice figures show 241 knife and offensive weapon crimes resulted in a caution or sentence in Dorset in the year to March - the highest number since current records began in 2010.

This means there were 17 offences per 100,000 people in the area, down from 31 the year before.

The figure includes possession of, or threatening with, a knife or other offensive weapon, but do not include all offences, such as murder or assault.

'Regional Comparison'

Across England and Wales, an estimated 21,325 knife and offensive weapon crimes resulted in a caution or sentence in the 12 months to March.

This was 4% fewer than the year before, but was still the third-highest annual figure since current records began in 2010.

Patrick Green, chief executive of the Ben Kinsella Trust, said it is a welcome relief to see a small decrease in numbers in the last year.

He added:

"But we need to remember that these figures show that knife crime is still 53% higher than it was in 2014.

"So sadly, knife crime has not gone away and we need to maintain the focus in tackling and preventing this heinous crime."

'Response from Dorset Police'

Temporary Chief Superintendent Caroline Naughton, of Dorset Police, said:

"In Dorset we do not have the extent of knife crime reported in some major metropolitan areas and our most recent figures show that over the last year we saw an increase of 3.9 per cent (10 crimes) compared to a national average rise of seven per cent.

"We were also shown to have the lowest rate of offences when compared with similar Forces.

"However, we are not complacent and remain committed to doing all we can to tackle knife crime in our county.

"The largest decrease in the last year was in Weymouth, where there was a 43 per cent drop in incidents (35 crimes) and this was one of the urban areas we targeted as part of our proactive efforts.

"While incidents involving threats made with knives have risen and that is a concern, thankfully there has been a decrease in incidents that have resulted in injuries.

"Dorset Police has a knife crime strategy together with partner agencies and our communities to reduce knife crime in all its forms. We will target known repeat offenders and work to recognise trends such as the continuing link between knife crime and drug related activity.

"By working closely with partners ranging from schools to retailers and transport workers, Dorset Police is committed to preventing people from engaging in knife crime. We also work with victims and vulnerable people, such as those who may be exploited by county lines gangs, to reduce the impact of knife crime on our communities.

"We urge anyone who thinks someone they know is carrying a knife to let us know. People who carry knives are at greater risk of harm themselves as situations involving knives escalate quickly."