Crime fell by seven per cent across Sussex last year, Home Office figures revealed yesterday.

Between June 2012 and June 2013 about 6,160 fewer reports of crime were made to Sussex Police officers, compared to the same period the year before.

Of the 87,978 reports which were made, incidents of fraud fell by around half, robbery by a tenth and criminal damage and arson by 12%.

But burglaries from homes across Sussex increased by 17%, with 9,607 homes and commercial properties targeted.

Reports of sexual offences also increased by 11% with more than four people telling the police they had been abused every day in the county.

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Detective Inspector Nick Chambers, from Brighton and Hove Priority Crime Team, said earlier this year: “It’s not immediately apparent why there has been such an increase in burglaries over the past few months but I think it would be fair to say that the current economic uncertainty and recession could be a factor.”

In April it was suggested criminals could be travelling into the county to carry out raids.

Deputy Chief Constable Giles York yesterday said: “It is pleasing to see that crime continues to fall across the county. Burglaries of people’s homes have always been low risk in Sussex compared to the rest of the country – despite recent increases specific initiatives since this reporting period have turned these increases around.

“Operation Magpie was launched at the end of June and in the first three weeks more than 70 suspected burglars were arrested and questioned over raids on homes, businesses and outhouses.

“To the end of September, burglaries of people’s homes have reduced by 6.2% across the force and we are confident that this success will continue.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Overall recorded crime in Sussex continues to fall, which I’m sure will be welcome news to our localcommunities.

“However, Sussex Police is placed 30th in the national league table for burglary detection and this is a concern to me and many residents across Sussex.

“I am pleased that progress is being made, however I am not complacent and I will raise this again during my performance and accountability meeting with Chief Constable Martin Richards.

“The message is clear – burglary will not be tolerated in Sussex.”