Beggars have been banished from the streets of Hove and Shoreham, latest police figures show.

No incidents were reported to, or by police, for the whole of December, compared with 22 in the same month last year.

The figures are being hailed as a success for a police crackdown and our 'Don't Give To Beggars' campaign.

Chief Inspector Stuart Harrison, of the Hove-Shoreham police division, said: "It seems most people have given up giving directly to beggars and are instead donating to charities which help the needy and homeless.

"That way, people can be assured their money is being properly spent and not used to fuel the drugs industry."

Police action against beggars, which triggered our campaign, began last year when a police survey showed much of the money given to beggars was being spent on drugs.

Instead of turning a blind eye, police now approach beggars and inform them they are breaking the law.

Only two arrests were made in the early stages of the crackdown and officers relied on verbal warnings to move beggars on. Of the two arrests, one person was found in possession of drugs and an offensive weapon.

One beggar arrested later was found to be living in Newhaven and commuting by train every day to his patch in Hove.

He carried a hunting knife to defend his spot and to threaten rivals. He 'earned' £60 a day begging from 11am to 3pm, and was continuing to receive state benefits.

George Street, Hove, was a popular haunt for beggars but none has been seen there for weeks.

Mr Harrison said: "Officers are telling beggars their behaviour will not be tolerated and asking them to desist.

"Judging by these latest figures it seems the message has got round.

"We are delighted."