SUFFOLK police have been praised after anti-social behaviour in the county fell by more than 10%.

The findings of a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) also found that 101 residents who reported anti-social behaviour are more satisfied with the service they received from the county’s police than the nationwide average.

The HMIC also found these type of offences have less impact on Suffolk residents quality of life than people living elsewhere.

The satisfaction survey is part of the report on anti-social behaviour by the HMIC, the independent body responsible for monitoring police performance.

All forces in England and Wales were inspected earlier this year, with inspectors looking at the processes forces use to tackle and respond to anti-social behaviour.

Suffolk’s survey showed that:

74% of people surveyed were satisfied with the way police handled their call overall (national average: 65%).

88% were satisfied that the police listened to what they had to say (national average: 82%).

61% were satisfied with information provided to them after the call (national average: 56%).

58% felt that their call made a difference to the problem (national average: 53%).

In its concluding remarks on the survey results, the report states: “It can be seen that the force is doing well in the areas considered in the survey. The survey also showed significantly fewer of the ASB victims in Suffolk felt anti-social behaviour (ASB) was a big problem in their area than the national average. In addition, the proportion of ASB victims who felt that ASB affected their daily routine was far lower than in most forces. This is a good result for the force.”

The latest figures show anti-social behaviour has fallen across Suffolk by 11.7%.

There have been 18,851 incidents reported to police between April 1 and September 20, compared to 21,337 for the same period last year.

Suffolk’s Chief Constable Simon Ash said: “Suffolk is a safe county, which has relatively low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour compared to most other areas of the country.

“A fall of more than 10% in ASB incidents is a quite an achievement – and I think it demonstrates how our local officers are working effectively with their colleagues from councils and other partner agencies to get to the root of the problems which most affect our local communities.

“I am delighted that local people, who have had to report ASB, have given such a positive response when asked about the quality of service they have received from us.”