More than 40 per cent of the victims of crime were unhappy with how the gardaí handled their situation, according to a new report.

The Garda Public Attitudes survey also reveals 25 per cent of victims didn't report their crime to officers.

The survey raises questions over how gardaí respond to reports of crime.

41 per cent of victims said they were dissatisfied with how they were treated.

While 30 per cent said the gardaí didn't respond quickly when they reported the crime.

The survey says people want the gardaí to focus more on crimes like sexual offences, weapons crime and drugs rather than the likes of traffic offences.

Assistant Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan said they do deal with these crimes - but in such cases often can't broadcast sensitive information.

The figures suggest that while 3/4s of people think crime is a serious issue nationwide, less than half think it's that bad in their local area.

And while people have trust in the Gardaí, they acknowledge that the force needs to improve in how it deals with victims of crime.