The signs might not be very undercover, but the police officers they are warning people about are.

The notices have gone up all over Lewes district to tell people about covert force operations going on around them.

The police-backed signs, organised by Lewes District Crime Reduction Partnership, are intended to deter criminals and drunks from getting into mischief.

Six of the signs, which say “for your safety undercover police patrols operate in Lewes”, have been put up in the town.

Four more signs have been erected in Seaford and Newhaven and another three in Peacehaven.

The messages are strategically placed to remind people going in or out of the town centres that they could be being watched.

Signs have been placed in areas revellers pass on their way to and from pubs and club, in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

A spokeswoman for Lewes District Council said: “The idea is that people will see the signs and will think twice before acting foolishly or in a criminal manner.

“In addition to warning individuals that there may be undercover officers watching them the signs are designed to reassure residents and visitors of a police presence and consequently further reduce the fear of crime in the community.”

Lewes District Commander, Chief Inspector Natalie Carron said: “We are keen to further reduce the anti-social behaviour of a minority of individuals who behave badly after they have been drinking.

“These signs are designed to remind people of the likely presence of police officers who patrol in plain clothes as well as in uniform.

“If you commit crime in this district the chances are that you will be caught.”

The Lewes District Crime Reduction Partnership is made up of Sussex Police, Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Sussex Police Authority, the Primary Care Trust and the Sussex Probation Service, who work together, to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime in the area.

For more information about how the Partnership works and what it can do for you please visit www.lewesdistrictcrp.org.