VIOLENCE, sex offences, robbery and theft continue to rise in Dorset, according to figures released this week.

The three months to the end of June included 2,226 offences of violence against the person, 132 sex offences and 127 robberies, contributing to a small increase in overall crime in the county.

A total of 15,968 offences were committed with reductions in burglary and vehicle crime.

Racially aggravated crimes increased by 51 per cent and domestic violence by 27 per cent.

But "other crime", including going equipped for theft, blackmail, kidnap, false imprisonment, handling stolen goods, affray, indecent exposure and dangerous driving have dropped by 59.5 per cent.

Chief Constable Jane Stichbury (pictured) said the reduction in burglaries makes Dorset the fifth best for combating burglary out of 42 police forces in England and Wales.

And she commended officers for a six per cent decrease in vehicle crime and the number of crimes solved.

"The improved performance in tackling burglary and vehicle crime - as well as helping victims - is very pleasing because burglary and vehicle crime are of concern to the public" she said. "Dorset Police is not complacent and the force is working hard to improve performance in other areas such as violent crime, domestic violent crime and racial incidents."

The figures, to be presented to members of the Police Authority tomorrow reveal the force is on target with five-year programmes to reduce burglary and vehicle crime.

But a target to reduce fatal and serious injury road accidents by 20 per cent is still a long way off.

As things stand, such accidents will fall by just seven per cent by the end of the five-year period.