A new Freedom of Information release from Dorset Police has laid bare a reality that too many in government and the establishment still refuse to confront. Between April 2024 and March 2025, police recorded 1,222 arrests of foreign nationals across the county — and the breakdown of those arrests raises serious questions about the consequences of weak border enforcement and years of political denial.
Violence, Drugs, and Sexual Offences — Not “Minor” Crime
According to the FOI data, foreign nationals were arrested for:
508 incidents of violence against the person
228 drug-related offences
118 sexual offences
The FOI can be accessed here https://www.dorset.police.uk/foi-ai/dorset-police/disclosure-logs/2025-disclosures/foreign-national-arrests/
The FOI figures offer no political spin, yet the response to them often feels muted. There has been little explanation from national leaders about whether stronger checks, better intelligence-sharing, or more robust enforcement measures are being prioritised to prevent similar incidents in the future. Likewise, there has been no clear public discussion about what happens after these arrests — whether offenders are removed, monitored, or allowed to remain.
Dorset News also submitted a Freedom of Information Request regarding Chickerell Army Camp and according to the FOI response, between 1 January 2024 and early 2025, police recorded eight crimes in which the suspect, offender, or arrested individual was identified as living at the camp. All eight offences fell under the category of Violence Against the Person. Dorset Police noted that while the individuals were linked to the camp, this does not confirm that the incidents took place on the site itself.
Crimes Linked to Chickerell Army Camp (FOI Data)
1 January 2024 – early 2025
Offence Category Number of Crimes
Violence Against the Person 8
Outcomes Recorded
Outcome Type Number of Cases
Charged 1
Alternate Offence Charged 2
Other Agency Took Primacy 1
New / Ongoing Investigation 2
Chickerell Camp is currently used by the Ministry of Defence as temporary accommodation for Afghan families who supported UK operations abroad and were relocated under government resettlement schemes. Residents typically stay at the site for a short period while long-term housing is arranged.
The full FOI response can be accessed here:
https://www.dorset.police.uk/foi-ai/dorset-police/disclosure-logs/2025-disclosures/crimes-linked-to-chickerell-camp/https://www.dorset.police.uk/foi-ai/dorset-police/disclosure-logs/2025-disclosures/crimes-linked-to-chickerell-camp/
With both FOI releases placing emphasis on serious offence categories and local policing impact, the combined figures naturally raise questions about how various systems interact — including accommodation arrangements, community support, information-sharing processes, and wider operational pressures on policing. The data does not offer conclusions, but it does highlight areas that may merit further public discussion, clarity, and review.
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