FEWER than one in five crimes committed in Dorset are solved, according to alarming figures released this week.

Just eight forces in England and Wales recorded a lower detection rate in the first annual official performance reports of all 43 police forces.

Dorset Police solved 17.8 per cent of offences in the year to April 2004 compared with 44.5 per cent in Dyfed-Powys, the highest, and 12.1 per cent in Yorkshire, the lowest.

Hampshire recorded a figure of 19.4 per cent, Wiltshire had 28 per cent and Avon and Somerset 19 per cent.

For the first time, police forces were assessed over numerous categories and given an overall score.

Dorset came joint 19th overall, with Hampshire grabbing fifth position. Top of the tree was Dyfed-Powys, and Nottingham-shire was revealed as the worst performing force in England and Wales.

Chief constable of Dorset, Jane Stichbury, said she was pleased with figures which revealed officers in Dorset spend more time on patrol than most other forces.

And she said the detection rate has improved since the figures were compiled.

"Dorset Police places a high priority on maximising the amount of time that its officers spend on frontline duties," she said.

"It is important to emphasise that this new government report only covers the year to March 2004 so it does not reflect the very solid achievements since that date, such as crime down by 6.5 per cent and the number of crimes being solved having increased by 14 per cent."

She stressed the force is determined to improve still further the quality of service to its residents "to ensure Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country".

Dorset has just 0.6 robberies per 1,000 residents compared with figures ranging from 0.1 to 5.5. There are 10 burglaries per 1,000 residents and 12 vehicle crimes.

First published: Sept 24