by Nicola Forman

Shoppers would feel even more confident in Kent Police if anti-social behaviour was under control.

Shoppers gave their verdict at a Kent Police Authority roadshow held in the ASDA supermarket, Mill Way.

About 150 shoppers cast their vote by placing a ball in one of five tubes. The Kent Police research team chose the top five confidence issues:

• Having anti-social behaviour under control
• Regular contact with your neighbourhood officer or PCSO
• Police can be relied on to attend an incident
• Working more closely with the community
• Police treat you with respect when you call

The 'improving public confidence’ tour will run for six weeks visiting town centres around the county.

Members of the public will also have a chance to meet with Kent Police Authority members and Police Community Support Officers.

The information from the polling tour will be fed into Kent Police and used to shape priorities for future investment.

Ann Barnes, chairman of the Kent Police Authority, said: "The Police authority represents the people of Kent and Medway on policing issues so it’s really important we’re talking to people and listening.

"It’s interesting to note that anti-social behaviour is still a big concern for residents. This year we made the decision to invest in eight new task teams, each made up of one sergeant and five police constables.

'The new teams will join those introduced in 2008 to tackle anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and vehicle crime.

"Now we will have a task team in each district, instead of each policing area, to deal with longer-term issues.

"It is clear from our research that the task teams already in place are making a difference to the quality of life for residents.

"By doubling the number of task teams countywide we can do so much more in neighbourhoods and help to build public confidence."