A town's crime is almost 30 per cent higher than it was during the same period last year.

There were 1,598 cases in the Hailsham area between April and August this year, a 28 per cent increase on the same period in 2000.

Vehicle thefts are 13 per cent higher than last year and theft from cars is up by 59 per cent.

Police figures show although reports of theft from cars is seemingly high, figures are much lower than a 128 per cent year-on-year increase recorded during April and May.

Inspector Tim Piloni, Hailsham sector commander, said visible policing in hotspots was continuing and work had been done to target prolific offenders.

He said: "As a division we are conscious that behind every crime is a victim and we continue to strive to reduce the number of crimes committed.

"A big problem over recent months has been the amount of drive-offs from petrol stations. One man has been charged with a significant number of these offences."

He said several initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle crime figures were in the pipeline.

He said: "There is still some way to go but locally I am convinced that there are some green shoots of improvement.

"The continued efforts by our staff to tackle these crimes and our commitment to deploy resources to this work will hopefully contribute to an improvement in the overall figures over the coming months."

In Seahaven senior officers were delighted with a ten per cent fall compared to last year in overall crime for the April to August period.

Figures show there have been 170 fewer crimes than the same period last year, with reductions in almost every category.

Inspector Ron Preddy, Seahaven sector commander, said: "There is no room for complacency because we can and will do better, especially with regard to vehicle crime and burglaries other than from dwellings.

"Some initiatives are in the pipeline including a high profile media campaign aimed at putting the brake on vehicle crime.

"Clearly police and the public must work closer together to maintain the pressure on those who, if given the slightest chance, like to spoil the quality of life of others."