Car crime has dropped by 70 per cent in Bexhill but violent crime is on the rise.

Police say 83 fewer cars were stolen in the town last year than the year before, bringing the figure down to 118.

Crime in general dropped by eight per cent, bringing the total number of crimes committed last year to 2,970, a reduction of 226.

Bexhill sector commander Inspector Max Mosley said: "It is clear to me that our dedicated team of Bexhill officers, support staff and divisional patrol unit officers have played a very significant part in reducing crime. The trend continues because of their hard work."

House burglaries fell by six per cent, a decrease from 184 to 174, and burglaries from commercial properties, such as shops and factories, fell by almost 43 per cent, down 89 to 206.

But police recorded increases in criminal damage, fraud and violent crime.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said the rise in violent crime was due to more victims reporting domestic abuse.

Insp Mosley said: "Clearly we should not be complacent with these figures.

"The figures over the past two months have been encouraging but it is essential that we do not rest on our laurels."