Cannabis factories and drugs worth thousands of pounds were found by police in raids in Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven.

A total of 39 people were arrested in operations in March.

They have been questioned about a string of offences including burglaries, deception, fraud, theft and drug crime.

Suspected stolen property, valued at more than £3,000, was also recovered.

Sergeant David Kemp said: "The team worked hard yet again in March, gathering intelligence and making arrests.

"We are committed to reducing crime, the fear of crime and the number of victims. Our overall aim is to make the streets of Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven safer."

The latest crime statistics show a 15 per cent drop in reported offences, down by 525, with just under a quarter of crimes detected.

Burglary is down 33 per cent, theft from vehicles is down 19 per cent, theft of vehicles is down 12 per cent, drug offences are down five per cent and criminal damage is down 17 per cent.

There has been a slight rise in violent crime and burglary from commercial premises. Violent crime detection stands at 77 per cent.

Mr Kemp said: "The overall picture is good with more than 500 fewer victims of crime compared with the same period last year.

"We have worked hard in recent months to accelerate the downward trend which started earlier in the year.

"With the end-of-year performance figures expected any day we anticipate further reductions in most areas.

"The important thing for the public is to recognise this and have confidence in what we are doing."