Fewer knife crime offenders in Dorset were sentenced to prison last year, figures reveal.

Dorset Police say the impact of knife crime is "devastating" and that it remains a top priority for the force.

Ministry of Justice figures show that 194 knife and offensive weapon offenders were cautioned or convicted in Dorset in the year to March – with just 37 (19%) resulting in immediate custody.

That proportion is down year-on-year from 2020-21 (23%) and 2019-20 (25%).

The figures is also notably lower than the average for England and Wales where 29% of offenders were sent to jail according to the latest figures.

This comes despite a 2015 policy of “two strikes and you’re out” – where repeat offenders would face a minimum six-month prison sentence for carrying a knife.

In Dorset, the rate of knife offences was 31 per 100,000 people last year – up from 28 in 2020-21.

Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan, the Force’s strategic lead for violent crime, said: “In Dorset we do not have the extent of knife crime that is reported in some major metropolitan areas of the country, however, we are not complacent and take a proactive approach to education and prevention around knife crime.

“The harm caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime is devastating and that is why knife crime remains a top priority for Dorset Police. We are committed to reducing knife crime offences in the county.

“Knife crime is not something we can solve alone, and we continue to work closely with schools, charities and community groups to ensure that messages about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife reaches young people in schools and colleges. I would also appeal for parents or guardians to have similar conversations with children in their families to make sure young people are not carrying knives.

“Changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 mean that from Wednesday 6 April 2022 it has become harder for young people to buy weapons, both at the point of sale and delivery. These new measures will go some way to taking weapons off the streets and make it more difficult for people to get hold of knives and other dangerous items in the first place.

“We also regularly take part in the national Op Sceptre knife amnesty campaign and carry out other proactive work to raise awareness of the issues around knife crime.

“We would encourage anyone with concerns about a knife carrier to contact Dorset Police so we can take action and if appropriate put safeguarding measures in place to protect anyone who may be vulnerable.”

If you believe someone is in immediate possession of a knife or offensive weapon please dial 999.

If you would like to report your concerns about a knife carrier or need some advice, please email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or visit dorset.police.uk and report it online.