Police hope to slash the number of car crimes in a high profile operation launched today.

The Hyena campaign will step up the number of officers in crime hot spots around the county and police will offer motorists advice on keeping cars safe.

Chief Inspector Grenville Wilson, who has responsibility for East Downs Division's crime reduction teams, said: "This campaign will kick start a drive to zero in on what has become an escalating crime.

"Though reports of thefts of vehicles and thefts from them have been increasing, working together we can impact on this type of crime.

"By acting on simple crime prevention advice, like taking valuables out of sight or clearing out a cluttered garage so that the family car can be kept inside, we can all help to put the brake on vehicle violation.

"As a Sussex Police priority crime we, through high profile campaigns like this, will do all that we can to tackle the problem. But our key message to the public is help us to help you. Think before you leave your vehicle."

Officers from across the East Downs division, which includes Eastbourne, Lewes, Hailsham, Heathfield, Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven have been given the task of spreading crime prevention advice and targeting offenders.

Figures from the British Crime Survey, which measures the amount of crime in England and Wales by asking people about what crimes they have experienced, shows around a quarter of crimes committed against adults were vehicle related.

Chief Inspector Wilson said: "There is no question about it, vehicle crime affects us all yet it is something we could all do something about. Using simple crime prevention will help to reduce vehicle violation."

Anyone who has information about vehicle criminals should contact Crimestoppers in confidence and anonymously on 0800 555 111.