POLICE in Hampshire have defended themselves against accusations that they don't take anti-social behaviour seriously.

Force chiefs say responding to calls about acts of nuisance and vandalism are a priority.

It comes after Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O'Connor blamed a "retreat from the streets" by frontline police for letting anti-social behaviour spiral out of control.

Yobs commit anti-social behaviour offences every two seconds and nearly half of all calls to police are about rowdiness or neighbours from hell, the report reveals.

Sir Denis revealed there were 3.5 million calls about anti-social behaviour last year but he stresses only one in four cases is reported to police meaning there were at least 14 million incidents.

But Hampshire's Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson said the force has campaigned to target anti-social behaviour resulting in processes being improved.

A three-month campaign starting in June led to fewer acts of anti-social behaviour compared to last year, she said.

She added: "Anti-social behaviour remains a priority for Hampshire Constabulary and our Safer Neighbourhood teams along with partner agencies will continue to work to tackle this issue to ensure that victims receive the appropriate support and we continue to reduce anti-social behaviour."