Sussex Police are sending a message to every villain in the county through an article in its annual newspaper.

The unprecedented move comes as the first of the 600,000 papers are about to arrive through letterboxes.

Force Press officer Chris Oswick said: "We realised that our newspaper reaches every home in the county and that it will be received by those we are trying to catch.

"We thought it might be appropriate to address at least one article to them."

The idea is similar to one from Brighton police who sent Christmas cards to criminals last year, wishing them anything but a happy new year.

Parts of the article read: "A direct appeal to one particular segment of our audience that we've not directly addressed before.

"This newspaper circulates to every home in Sussex.

"By the law of averages, some of the people reading this are criminals.

"And, for them, we have one simple message: Look out, because we intend to catch you.

"The rest of the community is on our side - not yours - and they are working with us to beat you.

"Not only that but Sussex Police has invested heavily in the technology that catches criminals.

"But the message is clear: if you're committing a crime in Sussex, then you can expect a knock in the door soon.

"Next time, it might not just be our newspaper arriving on your doormat!"