REPORTED crime levels have fallen significantly in one of the county’s districts.

Police in the Wealden region of East Sussex welcomed a 6.6 per cent reduction during 2018, compared to the previous year. It saw 427 fewer offences across the district and across all types of crime.

Burglaries fell by 160 and anti-social behaviour decreased by more than 300 incidents.

Wealden district police commander, inspector Jon Gross said: “The reduction in reported crime is welcome, particularly as some of the biggest gains are in respect of issues that our communities say concern them the most; burglary, car crime and anti-social behaviour.”

He praised the work of officers and said: “It’s good news, testament to some of the work and results we have had in the last 12 months, but nothing to be complacent about. Our communities not only want to be safe, but feel safe.”

“We will be re-doubling our efforts this year to be visible and linked in to our towns and villages. We will work hard to try to seek further crime reductions, and we intend to work ever more closely with other agencies and community groups to do so.

“This news, coupled with the ongoing investment in local policing thanks to the precept increase, means we will have more resources to tackle local issues.”