Crime has fallen in parts of a city but work still needs to be done to curb youth crime and disorder, according to police.

In the east Brighton division of Sussex crime fell by 573 incidents between April and November in 2007 compared with the same period the previous year.

There were more than 220 fewer incidents of criminal damage, about 100 fewer violent crimes and more than 80 fewer vehicle crimes.

Police launched a crackdown on vehicle crime in the area earlier this year.

In the 12 months up to October this year, there were 175 scooter thefts in the city and 76 of them were in the east district.

In October, following the crackdown, a scooter "graveyard" was discovered in woods at the end of Uplands Road in Hollingdean.

Many of the vehicles had been stolen and set on fire or stripped of parts.

According to Chief Inspector Jacqui Griffiths, antisocial behaviour and youth disorder continue to be the biggest source of concern for residents in the east Brighton area.

She urged people to become involved with local action teams and cited Whitehawk as an example of an improved area.

She said: "Whitehawk has been a real success story.

"Moulsecoomb is still work in progress. It needs development and support. I think it will be the area Whitehawk is in a few years time."

She said it was important for residents to be involved in community groups which work to improve areas.

Ms Griffiths said: "There isn't a high level of crime there but the residents do want to feel safe and they have concerns about youth disorder and other crimes which disturb their quality of life."

She said partnership between police, youth workers, local businesses and residents can make a difference to youth crime and antisocial behaviour.

The majority of the crime, including 59 per cent of actual bodily harm offences, is committed by the 11 to 25-year-old age group.

Youngsters aged between 13 and 17 are responsible for much of the antisocial behaviour and disorder.

Police officers in east Brighton are involved in Operation Athlete which takes place in areas where there are problems with youth disorder.

Youngsters are taken home and a letter goes to parents, if the problems continue then youths are given antisocial behaviour contracts, and if the misbehaving doesn't stop, it results in an antisocial behaviour order (Asbo).

In January next year, 15 problem teenagers will be invited to take part in a week-long "life course."

The project involves youngsters involved in crime and antisocial behaviour being trained by the fire service.

A similar scheme was held in Hove earlier this year.

Moulsecoomb residents are being invited to take part in a meeting with their local action team. It takes place at Moulscoomb Leisure Centre at 10.30am on December 12. residents are being invited to take part in a meeting with their local action team. It takes place at Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre at 10.30am on December 12.

Do you live in east Brighton? How does crime effect you and has the situation really improved in Whitehawk? Tell us below.