Number of victims of crime falls

The risk of becoming a crime victim in Sussex is at its lowest level for more than a decade, new figures show.

However, serious violent crime increased in the county by 85 offences compared with the previous year.

Crime statistics for 2008-09 have shown that total crime fell by 10% over the past year with 12,000 fewer victims.

The figures also suggest that Sussex is one of the 10 safest areas in the country when it comes to home burglaries, which have been cut by 62%.

Assistant Chief Constable Robin Merrett said: "The work of Sussex Police is about catching criminals and cutting crime and in the last year we have had some real success.

"Despite this year's success, we are not complacent and are very aware that crime figures can go up just as easily as they go down. We must ensure that by working with the public, neighbourhood policing and tackling the most serious, organised and dangerous criminals we will continue to fight crime."