Police, fire, council and vehicle licensing staff are working together to target vehicle crime.

They joined forces in Hailsham for Operation Balmoral, aimed at reducing vehicle crime and spotting illegal motors.

Trading standards officers carried out spot checks on vehicle traders, shops and garages, while officers from East Sussex Fire Brigade visited schools to warn youngsters about fire risks associated with car crime.

The Wealden vehicle crime working group hopes to reduce crime in Hailsham by 25 per cent by 2005.

Hailsham police sector commander Inspector Tim Piloni said: "This week we used different tactics by being highly visible with our partner authorities to tackle issues surrounding car crime.

"Part of the initiative was to spread sensible crime prevention messages in the community while also reducing the overall fear of crime."

The multi-agency sweep also visited the homes of vehicle owners who had expensive-looking items in view to advise them to conceal their possessions.

Wealden District Council chief executive Sheelagh Douglas said: "Car crime is a major and increasing problem in Wealden.

"It is encouraging that by working together we will be able to make a real difference."