The force's call handling was rated as good despite past criticism

But the survey, by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), did criticise the force for not doing enough to reassure the public.

The report was compiled by giving ratings of either excellent, good, fair or poor to 23 activities dealt with by each of the 43 forces.

Four aspects of Kent Police's work were judged as excellent by inspectors.

'Far from complacent'

Among the excellent and good gradings were the investigation of serious and hate crime, and tackling burglary and vehicle crime.

Even the force's call handling from the public, which has been criticised in the past, was rated as good in the report.

But the survey found the public's fear of crime in Kent was high and more should be done to publicise low crime rates.

The HMIC said the report was not a league table, but Kent Police has said it has been ranked in the top five.

Mike Fuller, Kent Chief Constable, said: "I am delighted that we have been ranked in the top five forces in England and Wales in this assessment.

"Whilst being pleased with this report we are far from complacent and recognise that we have much work to do in order to reduce the fear of crime and tackle issues of concern to local communities."