Confidence in Kent Police is on the up.

New figures suggest 44.2 per cent of people are confident in Kent Police and their local councils to deal with issues affecting them.

The latest British Crime Survey has ranked Kent 26th out of the 43 in England and Wales.

The force is aiming to be in the top 10 by March 2012.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: “Having the confidence of the public in the police is the cornerstone of everything we want to achieve.

“We cannot achieve anything unless we have the confidence and the support of the public.

“We have got an enviable record of tackling the serious headline crimes. Whether they are robberies, murders or house burglaries our record is extraordinary.

“We have really started to turn the corner in tackling anti-social behaviour as well.

“We have got to tailor our services to meet the needs of individuals. We try to think what it feels like for someone who is the witness or the victim of a crime.

“If this means we have to change the way we deliver our service then we do that, we have done that and we will do that in future.”