Increased police patrols in the Lewes area have resulted in 80 arrests in two months.

Teams of officers are patrolling and officers are being told to increase their visibility and meet as many locals as possible.

The service started in January in Lewes, Kingston, Ringmer, Ditchling and other rural parishes.

So far the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has notched up 80 arrests - 30 more than in an average two-month period.

NPT Inspector Dave Padwick said: "These arrests, though impressive, should not unduly concern people.

"Lewes continues to have a low crime rate but these results are indicative of our drive, determination and commitment to catch criminals.

"The new regime allows us to respond to calls quicker and take positive action wherever possible.

"A few months ago all officers covering Lewes town and the rural area worked from Lewes police station. That enabled us to increase numbers, efficiency and our contact with the community.

"We listened to what people had to say and have amended our practices to deliver both a semi-urban and a rural policing style which goes some way to meeting people's expectations.

"Providing a dedicated team of officers who police not just Lewes town but the rural area too has enhanced the 24-hour service we provide."

Each of the teams is headed by a sergeant who is accountable to Mr Padwick for the day-to-day operation of the NPT.

Sergeant Charlie Connaughton heads up a team of eight officers in the rural area, with sergeants Kevin Wallis (Lewes - Bridge Ward) and Ruth Blincow (Lewes - Castle and Priory Wards) supervising a team of 13 in Lewes town.

Each officer has been assigned a parish or ward to forge strong, long-term community links.

Chief Inspector Jim Taylor continues to have responsibility for policing Lewes district.

Mr Padwick said the rural and town teams are responsible for providing their community's local police service whether dealing with 999 calls or building long-term initiatives that improve local quality of life.

He said: "The whole team will play its part in resolving problems and responding to calls from the public for service, urgent or otherwise."

Latest crime figures show a six per cent reduction in crime in the Lewes area and Insp Padwick said the new style will help continue the downward trend.

He said: "Reducing crime, disorder and the fear of crime are the backbone of the new policing style. It's a common sense approach to policing which I hope will pay dividends for the communities we serve."