Crime has dropped for the third month running in East Sussex, according to police figures.

The number of recorded crimes dealt with by police in Eastbourne, Hailsham, Lewes, Peacehaven, Seaford and Newhaven has shown a decrease between August and November and police believed team work and targeting specific crimes were the reasons.

Superintendent Simon Parr said: "Clearly a reduction in crime translates into fewer victims of crime and this is something I am pleased to see. Work with our community partners will continue over the coming months in an attempt to further reduce reported crime.

"Much of the reduction is tied to the division's re-focusing on priority crime and changes to the way front-line officers are deployed. A joined-up approach to crime, through crime reduction partnerships with local authorities and agencies, has also enabled this reduction."

Between August and November of 2001, 214 fewer crimes were reported in Eastbourne compared to the same period in 2000, a reduction of six per cent.

In Hailsham during the same months, 74 fewer crimes were reported, dropping seven per cent.

The Lewes sector showed a drop in reported crime by 74, a decrease of 13 per cent, compared to 2000.

Forty-seven fewer crimes were reported in the Seahaven sector, which covers Peacehaven, Seaford and Newhaven, a five per cent drop.

Supt Parr said: "The tremendous work of my officers and staff highlight the fact that this division is a safe place."