Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary has voiced concern that some vulnerable victims of antisocial behaviour are not being treated appropriately by police.

Inspectors emphasised that they were "disappointed" that ASB still appeared to be a problem – and said they will carry out a further study later in the year.

They were speaking after HMIC released its new report – The Crime Scene: A Review of Police Crime and Incident Report – which examines systems and processes of recording crime in the 43 forces in England and Wales plus BTP.

The Inspectorate looked in depth at two issues – incidents reported by the public converted into crimes and the use of the "no crime" category by the police.

While HMIs found that the majority made the correct crime recording decision, the report highlighted that there is a variation on the quality of information held across the police Service.

Around three-quarters of forces made the correct decisions at least 90 per cent of time of the time – the remaining 11 forces were just below the 90 per cent threshold.

The Inspectorate's report marks the first phase in a new programme of work designed to reassure the public that they are getting accurate information on crime.

HM Assistant Inspector of Constabulary Vic Towell said: "This review gives the public and in due course, Police and Crime Commissioners, some insight into what happens when they report crimes and incidents to police.

"The findings are indicative and provide assurance that the crime figures published by their police forces are being probed. While the majority do well, the variation between the best and worst remains too wide and needs to improve."