Police in the district have been praised for hitting the three-year crime reduction targets which were set by the government in 2005.

Wealden is one of only 17 areas in the south east to meet the targets, which aimed to reduce crime and disorder.
The crimes included in the target, selected for their impact on residents, ranged from serious cases such as wounding and robbery to community issues such as bike theft, vandalism and graffiti.

Mark O'Brien, chairman of the Safer Wealden Partnership (SWP), said, "Achieving the reduction targets over three years is an excellent achievement.

"The work of the partnership is ongoing — it is currently engaged in identifying what people see as the priorities in their local communities and planning work to tackle those problems."

Chief Inspector Neil Honnor, Wealden District Commander, added, "The south-east region in this instance is made up of 67 similar areas so to be one of only 17 to achieve these targets is a significant achievement.

"Wealden is a very safe place to live and with the work of the SWP it continues to get safer."