Crime in three towns has fallen and police say it is only the start.

Figures released this week show overall crime in Seahaven, made up of Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven, has dropped by seven per cent.

The figures mean 177 fewer people became victims of crime between April and November last year than in the same period of 2001.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Mark Huff said: "Fewer victims of crime has to be seen as a tremendous success in the Seahaven area. But I'm not complacent. More work is still to be done to ensure this trend remains on a downward spiral."

Criminal damage, violence and shoplifting all took a downturn with drug offences, theft of vehicles and domestic burglaries showing a slight increase.

Insp Huff said: "Low criminal damage is a good indication anti-social behaviour, which often has a detrimental effect on residents and the fear of crime, is equally falling.

"An 18 per cent increase in drug offences means we are detecting and taking more illegal substances off the streets. So far this year, my team has executed 55 drugs warrants in the neighbourhood policing area."