FEWER residents in Suffolk fear anti-social behaviour than in any other county in England, new figures have revealed.

FEWER residents in Suffolk fear anti-social behaviour than in any other county in England, new figures have revealed.

Latest British Crime Survey findings, published in a Suffolk Police Authority report, found that just 6.9per cent of the county's population perceived their community to be blighted by anti-social behaviour. The national average is 16.6pc.

The report, which will be discussed at a police authority meeting on Friday, states that anti-social behaviour was one of the constabulary's “key priorities”.

Today, Andy Solomon, anti-social behaviour network manager for Ipswich, said the figures were testament to improved methods of working among police and partner agencies.

“The work of a whole range of organisations has meant that the approach is more joined-up than it was in the past,” he said.

“The introduction of Safer Neighbourhood Teams provides a more visible presence and we are talking properly to people, like youth workers, who have not been spoken to before.

“If people can see things are being done, it reduces their perception of crime and anti-social behaviour.”

The report found that there had been a 2.7pc increase in anti-social behaviour in the first six months of the year compared to the same period in 2006.

However, it claimed improved accessibility to police officers and greater support given to those reporting anti-social behaviour was behind the increase.