Violent crime in Eastbourne is on the increase, latest crime figures reveal.

Police say they are disappointed by the new figures which show the number of overall crimes recorded in Eastbourne from April to September has risen by four per cent on last year.

Violent crime has leapt by six per cent, with 48 more incidents recorded than last year, although 53 per cent of these crimes have been solved.

Drug offences have also risen while car theft stands as the biggest contributor to the rise in crime.

Inspector Tim Mottram, of Eastbourne Police, said measures were being taken now to nip the rise in the bud, but said much of the rise is the result of police requests for people to come forward to report a crime.

He said: "I'm not too worried about the figures, although I would obviously prefer it if they were all falling.

"We have been encouraging people to report cases of domestic violence and will record any incidents we are called to, whether the victim wishes to press charges or not.

"It's the same story with racial attacks and attacks on foreign students.

"We obviously want these crimes to be reported but they do push the figures up."

The police chief explained a fall in some types of crime, such as the ten per cent cut in burglary and the six per cent drop in theft from vehicles, may result in a rise in other offences.

He said: "I'm encouraged by the burglary figures but because we've made it tough on burglars, I think many have diversified onto other crimes.

"This is something we are keen to tackle. We want to prevent these crimes happening in the first place by being proactive."

He explained the force had learned lessons from Operation Columbus, an initiative to cut attacks on foreign students in the town.

Inspector Mottram said: "There are still too many foreign students being attacked and robbed.

"We have plans to work with language schools to discuss the idea of introducing wardens to patrol areas of the town.

"They would have contact with police and would make students feel more secure at the same time as deterring would-be attackers."

Other new schemes include night buses in the run-up to Christmas so revellers are not left waiting for taxis, a time when many fights break out.

It is also hoped the force will soon be back to full strength after new officers have completed a seven-month training programme.