VIOLENT crime in Dorset has risen again, a new report reveals.

The 11.8 per cent increase in violent offences in the county is revealed in the latest set of Dorset Police crime figures, covering the six months from April to September.

There were 2,762 violent crimes compared to 2,471 incidents during the same period last year.

Assaults rose by 5.7 per cent and harassment crimes increased by 26 per cent. The new figures follow a trend of rising violent crime in recent years.

Dorset Police says it has now prepared an action plan to combat non-domestic violent offences and reduce the fear of violent crime.

Chief Constable Jane Stichbury has expressed concern that because of changes in the way different categories of crime will be recorded from next April there could be an apparent sudden increase in some crime figures.

In a report, the chief constable said: "The biggest impact is likely to be in the category of violent crime."

Total crime in Dorset is up 2.4 per cent, from 25,913 offences to 26,533. There has also been an increase in the number of dwelling burglaries, up 11.7 per cent from 1,510 to 1,686 offences, and thefts, excluding vehicles, were up by eight per cent.

But Dorset Police insists tackling burglary is a top priority. A report to Dorset Police Authority on the figures says: "The force remains proactive in targeting suspected offenders."

The force achieved major successes in slashing vehicle crime by 15.8 per cent from 5,163 to 4,346 offences. The number of arrests for supplying drugs or possessing with intent to supply has rocketed from around 140 to around 200.

Fatal and serious road traffic collisions are down, from 235 to 199 - a drop of 15.3 per cent. There was also a 32 per cent fall in race-related crimes, from 107 to 73.