Britain's most senior policeman has said the police have "failed" to strike the right balance between community policing and organised crime.

Speaking to Today presenter Sarah Montague, Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said that the forces' failure to "co-ordinate in a way to make the maximum impact has left us in a position where we need to rethink our approach".

It is estimated that there are 68 active criminal groups with assets of more than £10m.

"Serious organised crime affects everyone in this country, it's a surcharge on everything you buy," he said.

But while Sir Paul called for much "tighter" co-ordination between forces, he rejected the idea of a US-style FBI, saying it would cause a "dislocation with local law enforcement".

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