LANCASHIRE police have been given a massive vote of confidence by the public after a survey revealed 92 per cent of people dealt with were left satisfied.

The figure emerged from a widespread survey of accident crime victims across the county in February.

Acting deputy chief constable David Smith said: "It is extremely gratifying to know that the public are largely satisfied with our work.

"The force's year-end performance figures cover a range of objectives and while the constabulary has performed extremely well in some, there is room for improvement in others."

One such target that was met was a reduction of road casualties by 8.5 per cent, exceeding the five per cent target which had been set.

The detection rate for violent crime was 78.5 per cent and the number of arrests for supplying drugs was 670 - 30 more than the original target.

But the Constabulary failed to answer 97 per cent of 999 calls within seconds by a 3.5 per cent margin.

A similar target to attend emergency incidents within 15 minutes was just missed at 67.7 per cent.

Mr Smith continued: "We knew that we had to set ourselves very challenging targets this time last year and it took a few months to start making real progress.

"Towards the end of the year there were clear signs that our crime reduction figures were significantly improving month by month.

"This achievement must be considered in the light of major changes and the reorganisation the Constabulary has just gone through.

"It seems clear the new divisions are settling down and there has been a very real commitment by the force as a whole to meet the demanding targets we set ourselves."

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