Kent Police are doing a good job keeping people safe and cutting crime, according to inspectors.

The force is also doing well when it comes to reducing anti-social behaviour, tackling organised crime and protecting vulnerable people.

But the force has been told it needs to improve how some investigations are conducted and overseen.

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Inspectors say police need to understand why so many crimes - particularly stalking and harassment - are not progressing "due to the victim not supporting police action or due to difficulties in securing sufficient evidence for a case to proceed".

"This happens in 21.9 percent of crimes investigated in Kent, which is much higher than the 13.8 per cent figure for England and Wales and one of the highest levels of any force," says the report.

The findings come in the latest report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.

It concludes that overall, the force is extremely effective in many areas and rates it as "good" when it comes to tackling crime.

Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said the force was already taking steps to address the issues raised by HMIC.

He said: "I recognise that there are areas identified where improvements could be made, in particular in relation to investigation outcomes and while we will always put victims first, we also need to make sure those who offend are dealt with in the best possible way.

"We have made a number of significant improvements since last year's report, particularly in terms of dealing with vulnerability and I am confident we will continue to make further improvements in response to this inspection report and our commitment to continue to provide a first class service to the people of Kent."

Kent police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott said he would be "keeping an eye" on how the force was responding to the recommendations made by HMIC.

HMIC Inspector Zoe Billingham said: "I am very pleased that Kent Police's performance is judged to be good in HMIC's police effectiveness inspection.

"The force continues to do well in the vitally important areas of operational policing necessary for it to keep people safe across the country and to reduce crime."