Sussex Police have been targeting cross-border crime with colleagues in Kent.

Two people were arrested and criminal intelligence gathered when officers from Rye and Battle joined forces with Kent's Weald Division.

Sussex officers concentrated their efforts on Peasmarsh and Hurst Green while Kent Police operated around the rural areas south of Ashford. The day's operation was part of an on-going bid to clampdown on rural crime.

Inspector Brian Donald, of Rye police, said: "It is essential that Kent and Sussex continue to work together, especially to target criminals that operate in rural areas."

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Rural policing continues to be high on the political agenda and the high visibility operation enabled officers from both counties to talk to a large number of people."

Last month, senior police officers warned that rural areas would no longer see bobbies on the beat unless recruitment problems are turned around.