Eastbourne police say crime levels are on the decrease and the resort is becoming a safer place to live and visit.

Figures released today show a six per cent overall drop in reported crime, and 454 fewer victims.

Domestic burglary, theft of vehicles, shoplifting, criminal damage and violence in public places were all down on the year before.

However, the number of thefts from vehicles increased, as did non-domestic burglaries.

The borough police commander, Chief Inspector Martin Stevens, said: "This is a massively positive step forward in the fight against crime in the borough.

"When domestic burglary and violent crime is on the increase nationally, these figures are particularly welcoming.

"Our continued success has been built upon a pro-active approach to problems in the area."

Crime-busting schemes have included a drugs and weapons amnesty which has been hailed a success a month after being launched.

Metal boxes placed in ten pubs and clubs around Eastbourne yielded six knives, a screwdriver, around five ecstasy tablets and small quantities of cannabis and heroin.

Mr Stevens said: "I was slightly surprised at the items deposited in the boxes, but what it shows is that the initiative is starting to work and with the efforts of the door supervisors of these premises, I am sure we can take more weapons and drugs out of circulation before they cause more harm and injury."

Gerry Quinn, manager of the Wetherspoons pub in Cornfield Road, said the amnesty box had a positive effect on customers.

He said: "We have our own ways of monitoring weapons and drugs. We have door staff who use metal detectors and I think the pub's reputation means we don't have a problem.

"I am convinced the box on the wall has had a positive effect because it is a deterrent."

Figures for April to November last year show a 12 per cent reduction in domestic burglary; a seven per cent drop in theft of vehicles; a three per cent downturn in violence; and a 13 per cent fall in criminal damage.

Despite the good news, the number of thefts from vehicles rose by 192 incidents and non-domestic burglary by 38.

The total number of recorded crimes between April and November 2001 was 7,805. The decrease of 454 takes 2002's total down to 7,351.