POLICE in Lancashire must improve their service to vulnerable victims of anti-social behaviour, a report has said today.

The force should also clarify which departments, including CID and response officers, are briefed about local anti-social behaviour issues.

A survey of people affected by anti-social behaviour in the county and a review by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), published today, says Lancashire ‘prioritises’ anti-social behaviour (ASB) and has a ‘high level of commitment to tackling it’.

Nationally, HMIC said forces must publish data and review the way ASB calls are graded to provide better response for repeat victims.

The report follows criticism of Leicestershire Constabulary after officers were accused of ‘failing to protect the public’ when Fiona Pilkington killed herself and her daughter after months of torment by youths.

Roger Baker, HMIC inspector for Lancashire, said the county experiences a ‘moderate’ level of incidents and that intiatives mean staff take responsibility.

He revealed that 102 victims of ASB were surveyed and 69 per cent were ‘satisfied’ with the way police handled the call, with 57 per cent felt the call had made a difference. Both were slightly above national average.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Williams, force lead on ASB, said: “We are pleased with the report and have made great progress in reducing anti-social behaviour in Lancashire. It is a force priority and we are committed to continuing our work with partners.

“Lancashire reduced ASB incidents by over 10 per cent last year and we are on course to do the same in 2010. In addition we have worked hard to ensure repeat incidents of ASB continue to reduce.”

Jack Straw said that the success of ASBOs -conceived in Blackburn - had contributed to a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the town and that ASB complaints had fallen.