A bail jumper was caught just hours after the launch of a police crackdown on criminals who avoid court.

Police recently sent out letters to known criminals urging them to give themselves up.

The alternative would be visits to their home addresses, which could drain police resources.

More than 90 people in the Worthing area have warrants issued for their arrests, for offences including supplying drugs and failing to appear in court.

Aside from the letters, each officer in Worthing district was assigned a bail jumper to track down.

Within hours of the crackdowns launch, an officer bumped into an absconder and arrested him.

Delighted with the positive start, police spokeswoman Jill Pederson said: "It goes to show this operation will be a success."