POLICE in Wiltshire are winning the fight against crime. In an independent report, the force was ranked excellent in two areas of service, good in ten and fair in two.

Wiltshire Constabulary did not perform badly in any areas a contrast to many UK forces.

The report, by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, said: "Wiltshire continues to have low levels of crime and fear of crime.

"This is helped by a detailed community and reassurance strategy.

"This aims to ensure an effective response to emergencies, but also provides dedicated beat officers in all areas."

The review praised the constabulary for:

getting more bobbies on the beat.

a good financial record, despite minimal cash from the Government.

innovation, including 'e-policing' to cut red tape.

high-quality leadership.

developing a successful shared 999 control centre. The force is the second best in the country for answering emergency calls.

But some issues of concern were flagged up, including an increase in burglaries. The force has been told to investigate this and draw up a plan of attack.

The report also says there are concerns about how more serious crime is tackled.

One key defect was a need for better use of undercover sources.

Forensic evidence collection also needed to be improved, and detectives were told to claw back more cash from crooks.

Bertie Woolnough, chairman of the Wiltshire Police Authority, said: "The report shows a good solid performance.

"It also indicates some areas where performance needs to be improved.

"I am pleased that measures are already being put in place to secure the necessary improvements in the areas identified.

"It is good to note that the investment placed in call handling, additional visible patrol, better radio communications and our nationally-renowned e-policing project has been recognised."

Tamash Lal