Sussex still safer than anywhere else in South East say police

Crimes of serious violence were down 9.9%.

At 28,043 in total, overall crime was down by 9.6% (2,968 fewer offences).

Police said: "Officers' determination to keep people safe has, this week, led to a persistent burglar being jailed for more than 10 years.

He had targeted the elderly and vulnerable, tricking his way into their homes. Operation Inroad is specially designed to target such criminals."

Burglary from people's homes in 2008 was at almost half the level seen in 2003 (down by 49%, or 4,100 offences).

Offences in 2008 were 4% higher (150 more victims) than in 2007. In terms of burglary of people's homes, for the 12 months to the end of November 2008, Sussex was the 8th safest police force area in England and Wales.

Robbery in Sussex in 2008 was more than a third lower than in 2003 (down by 36%, 540 fewer victims). However offences in 2008 were 4% higher (37 more victims) than in 2007.

Deputy Chief Constable Giles York said: "Cutting crime and catching criminals are key to how we serve Sussex and keep people safe.

"Sussex is a low crime area and we are focusing our efforts on tackling those crimes that matter most to our communities. Robbery and burglary from people's homes are high among these priorities."

Crime figures for Sussex for the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007:

*Auto theft -2.1% (59 fewer offences) 2,746

*Burglary dwelling +3.9% (38 more offences) 1,023

*Criminal damage -9.2% (597 fewer offences) 5,920

*Robbery +13.2% (34 more offences) 292

*Sexual offences +1.3% (5 more offences) 377

*Violence against person -23.6% (600 fewer offences) 5,235

*Most serious violence -9.9% (16 fewer offences) GBH plus 146

*Assault with less serious injury -21% (556 fewer offences) ABH 2,091

Total crime -9.6% (2968 fewer offences) 28,043