CRIMINAL damage is down by 23 per cent in Hampshire compared to this time last year, county police chiefs heard.

It emerged while Hampshire Police Authority met in Winchester on Tuesday, June 15, to discuss a report on antisocial behaviour.

Chief Constable Alex Marshall said the 2009 figures for criminal damage were better than the year before, and early signs suggested that the trend would continue this year.

“There were big reductions last year and I’m pleased to hear that there are now more reductions on top of those,” he said.

Authority member Cllr Adrian Collett said: “The progress that has been achieved in terms of dealing with antisocial behaviour has been excellent.”

The report to members followed a Government inspection earlier this year on how Hampshire was tackling the issue.

Assistant chief constable Laura Nicholson said the feedback was generally good, although the force needed a more “victim focused approach” when dealing with cases.