West Mercia Police, which covers Shropshire, has been rated one of the best performing forces in the country in a report released by the government’s top policing body.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary has produced the Police Report Card that grades each of the 43 police forces in England and Wales.

It rated West Mercia Police, which covers Shropshire, as “good” for confidence and satisfaction, solving crimes, reducing crime, local policing, visible presence in neighbourhoods, reducing road death and injury and meeting standards of the Policing Pledge.

• Telford police on tackling anti-social behaviour

It has also been graded as “excellent” for preventing knife crime in the assessment released today, although the number of sex crimes solved was less than the national average. HMIC inspects and regulates all 43 forces in England and Wales. West Mercia received no “poor” grades and it was also praised as a “low-cost” force by national standards in the assessment.

Deputy Chief Constable David Shaw said: “It is important for public confidence in the police that forces are held to account.

“We feel a sense of satisfaction the HMIC has recognised West Mercia Police as one of the better performing forces in the country.”

Sheila Blagg, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, added: “The authority is pleased to receive the latest HMIC assessment that recognises the delivery of above average policing.

As a police authority we are committed to the delivery of efficient and effective service for our communities so that they can continue to enjoy a good quality of life in a safe environment and at a cost that offers best value.”

Nationally, according to the gradings, Cleveland is the best performing force in the country with Nottinghamshire force at the bottom of the rankings.

The figures can be accessed by the public on a new website called mypolice.org.uk which brings together huge swathes of information about forces across England and Wales. It goes live on Saturday.

It will tell people what risk they face of being shot, stabbed, sexually attacked, burgled or violently assaulted.

Users will be able to compare the risks people face in different areas and uncover how their force ranks.

• Urgent action must be taken by senior officers to improve understanding of the toll anti-social behaviour is taking on their communities, the head of the police inspectorate said today. Chief Inspector of Constabulary Denis O’Connor said the recording of information about harassment, criminal damage and verbal abuse was “inadequate”.

• He said more than half of the 43 forces in England and Wales cannot automatically identify repeat victims, leaving officers in ignorance of some of the most vulnerable people who need help.