Sussex Police is one of the most improving forces in the country, new figures show.

With an increased detection rate and falling crime levels, the force claims to be one of the few in England and Wales to be reducing crime.

The new figures are in stark contrast to last year when fewer than one quarter of all crimes in the county were being solved.

Parliament heard in a written answer yesterday how only 23 per cent of 137,000 reported crimes were solved in the year ending 2001, below the national average and one of the worst records in the country.

However, so far this year the rate has risen to more than 25 per cent, just short of the force's target of 26 per cent.

Since June last year, detections have risen every month.

Chief Inspector Ross Hollister said: "There have been exceptional improvements in tackling violent crime.

"We have continuously improved during the past eight months and now two out of three violent crimes, from minor assaults to the most serious offences, are being detected.

"Our target of detecting 63 per cent of crimes in this category has been surpassed and the rate stands at 66.7 per cent.

"There have also been positive results in the number of robberies being detected.

"While we are pleased with the improvements we are not complacent and work continues to ensure we maintain results.

"It has been recognised that Sussex Police is one of the most improving forces in England and Wales and our increased detection rates and falling crime levels highlight this."