Police were popping the corks last night after latest figures showed a big drop in crime.

Worthing's figures were down 15 per cent over the past 12 months, 1,500 fewer crimes.

Brighton and Hove's figures have plunged as well, with 500 fewer crimes in the past quarter compared to the same period in 2004.

Crackdowns on drink and drugs - the cause of most crimes - are being hailed as the reasons behind the breakthroughs.

Chief Superintendent Jeremy Paine, Brighton and Hove police commander, said: "We've hit the dealers hard and put users, who commit crimes to pay for habits, into treatment and rehab.

"Nearly all of our prolific burglars, shoplifters and muggers are linked to drugs and our efforts and those of our partners in the city council and other agencies are impacting hard on them."

City crime figures make positive reading: Overall crime fell more than six per cent to 10,000 crimes, burglaries were down 40 per cent (230 less), car crime was down 30 per cent (250 less), criminal damage decreased 12 per cent (170 less) and serious violent crime dropped 30 per cent (200 less).

The only increase was in low-level street violence such as anti-social behaviour, which rose by 500 cases.

It is hoped the recently introduced fixed penalty tickets for crimes including drunk and disorderly will start to bring these numbers down.

In Worthing, crimes fell from 9,500 in 2004 to just over 8,000 in 2005.

Chief Inspector Jason Taylor, Worthing police commander, said: "Every police officer and staff member has worked hard to drive down crime through prevention advice, high visibility patrols or targeting top offenders.

"But we couldn't have done this alone.

"The past 12 months have seen what I believe to be unprecedented partnership activity in Worthing with a clear willingness from all quarters to work together to make the town safer.

"I give my commitment that we will continue to deliver the best possible policing service to everyone in Worthing and will strive to reduce crime even further."

Burglaries were down 4.1 per cent to 303, the fourth decrease in as many years, public place violent crime dropped by 3.7 per cent to 2,000, and criminal damage fell by 21 per cent to 2,100.

Mr Taylor said Chief Constable Ken Jones' "Enough" crackdown on drink-related crime had improved quality of life.

He added: "As well as tackling licensing offences, one of the objectives of the campaign in Worthing has been to reduce the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

"Criminal damage is a good indicator of nuisance and yobbish behaviour in a neighbourhood.

"Working with our partners we have all played a part in securing a significant number of anti-social behaviour orders against the most difficult individuals who harm our society."

Robberies fell almost a third to 61 and vehicle crime dropped nearly 27 per cent to 777.

Mr Taylor said: "I am delighted with the reductions - they were made easier by the continued support of many hard working and committed individuals among both police staff and those employed in the other organisations."