The group that holds North West Hampshire's police force to account says it needs to improve.

But the Police Authority says that Hampshire Constabulary is doing well compared to other forces - ranking in the top half of the new police report card table.

The review of crime and policing by HMIC (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary) found that crime rates are generally below those elsewhere and the chances of being a victim of crimes such as burglary and robbery are low. Hampshire Constabulary is particularly commended for the way it deals with serious crime,  including scoring an 'excellent' rating for suppressing gun crime and a 'good' for solving serious sexual offences. Protecting people from serious harm is another strength highlighted in the assessment, as well as being a low to medium cost force.

Areas in need of improvement include reducing the levels of crime resulting in injury and criminal damage offences, which are both higher than similar forces.

Councillor Adrian Collett is the vice-chair of the Hampshire Police Authority: "This first Police Report Card gives a good overall picture of how Hampshire Constabulary's performance compares with other forces nationally.

"We are pleased the report recognises the Constabulary's strong performance in tackling  serious crime and preventing the rise in burglaries, as well as working to improve public confidence and satisfaction. Although a low cost and effective police force,  there is still work to do including improving the confidence of minority communities and increasing the number of crimes solved.

"We will continue to work closely with the Constabulary to help drive up standards and deliver an excellent policing service for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight "

For the first time, people can compare the performance of their local police force nationally and how well crime is being tackled at a new website which goes live on Saturday.

But, North West Hampshire's MP would like our local police to have more time so they can tackle anti-social behaviour.

Sir George Young says the minor crimes also very important for people: "If we can free them up from some of the red tape and bueaucracy that they're sinking in at the moment, then I think they'll be able to perform even better when it comes to those sorts of issues.

"They're the ones that get crowded out by filling in all the forms, coping with the red tape that comes from Whitehall. So if we are able to reform the system in which the police operate, then hopefully we can make even better progress with those issues as well."