POLICE in County Durham need to keep crime victims better informed about the day-to-day progress of investigations, a survey has shown.

Durham Constabulary commissioned researchers to carry out telephone interviews on 2,000 victims to find out their views on the service provided.

They found one failing was a lack of communication about the progress of cases from officers to victims.

But overall, eight out of ten people interviewed were "more than satisfied" with the work of front-line officers.

Chief Constable Paul Garvin said: "Analysis of the survey's findings demonstrates growing public confidence in what we do and the way we do it.

"Similar studies carried out in the previous two years show a rise of some five per cent in satisfaction levels. The increase is reassuring but there is clearly still work to do.

"People were clearly impressed with the actions taken by officers in pursuing those responsible. The overwhelming majority indicated they were also entirely happy with the courtesy, sympathy and empathy they were shown.

"However, our one failing was that we did not keep everyone as fully informed as we might have done about the step-by-step progress of our investigations.

"I share their disappointment. It is something I take seriously and something we are already addressing."

Researchers spoke to victims of house burglary, violence, racist incidents, road accidents and car crime.