Rural crime in part of East Sussex has plunged 13 per cent.

Hailsham, Polegate, Heathfield and surrounding parishes have all recorded significant drops.

Burglary, vehicle crime and criminal damage were also down on last year, according to figures issued by South Wealden police for April to November 2002.

Robbery and shoplifting were also reduced and total crime for the area was down 13 per cent.

Domestic burglary was down two per cent, as was non-domestic burglary.

Vehicle theft recorded a 54 per cent drop.

Shoplifting fell by 32 per cent, criminal damage by 12 per cent, robbery by ten per cent and theft from vehicles by one per cent.

District Commander Chief Inspector Grenville Wilson said: "Crime being on a downward trend in South Wealden means fewer victims of crime.

"A 13 per cent reduction means there were 261 fewer victims between April and November compared to the previous year.

"The new policing style, gradually introduced from September, has clearly had an impact on these latest figures."

Violence in the area was up by one incident for the period.

Mr Wilson added: "The message is clear to the public and criminals: We're doing all we can to reduce crime in South Wealden."

The new policing style has included moving more officers to Hailsham, ensuring 24-hour opening of the station.

The move is also said to have increased police visibility thereby deterring criminals.