Sussex Police faces a severe staff shortage problem with dozens of detectives leaving to work in London where they can earn another £6,000 a year.

Now the force is having to take drastic action to ensure the detection rate does not fall to unacceptably low levels.

It's a good idea to entice back retired officers, many with great experience, to help solve difficult crimes.

Too often in the police, senior officers retire at an early age and their huge expertise is lost.

But other measures will also be needed to keep up staff levels. This could include offering help with travel costs.

They can also point out to officers living in Sussex - but with posts in London - how much more pleasant their lives would be working locally.

Most of all they will have to persuade the Government that Sussex officers also deserve a substantial allowance for high living costs.

Hiring the retired detectives will cost council tax payers more. So will paying more for new recruits.

But there are few people in Sussex who would mind paying extra each year to see detection rates and their own safety improving.