SHOPKEEPERS in deprived areas were given almost half a million pounds yesterday to help tackle the menace of vandalism and other crimes.

The Home Office announced that more than 470 small retailers would benefit from £496,000 to increase their security measures.

Improvements will include radio link systems, installation of security cameras, burglar alarms and security measures such as lighting, locks, toughened glass, signs, internal mirrors and shutters.

The funding will pay for security fencing, landscaping and lighting at Easterside in Middlesbrough. Sunderland will benefit from a portable closed-circuit television unit.

The Home Office's North-East crime reduction director, Alan Brown, said: "Local shops are at the heart of our communities, and if they are forced to close valuable local services are lost.

"The funding will help us tackle the crime and anti-social behaviour that blights shops in some of our most impoverished communities."

It is the second round of funding of a three-year programme from the Treasury's Capital Modernisation Fund.

Last year, Redcar benefited from security cameras, alarms and building security measures, along with improved lighting.

In Sunderland, a radio security scheme led to reductions in thefts and calls to the police from traders.

To help tackle anti-social behaviour in small shopping areas, some of the cash will help develop projects such as skateboarding units.

Schemes to receive funding include: Gateshead Small Retailers Scheme, £24,000; Newcastle City Small Retailers Scheme £35,000; North Tyneside Small Shops Scheme, £20,000; Small Shopping Parades CCTV Initiative for South Tyneside, £35,000; Sunderland Camera Safe Project, £35,000; Chester-le-Street Retail Crime Project, £10,000; Darlington Retail Crime Initiative, £20,000; Derwentside Small Retailers Scheme, £20,000; Durham City Small Retailers Scheme, £10,000; Resisting Anti-Social Behaviour by Retailers at Risk, Easington, £35,000; Prevention of Shoplifting in Hartlepool, £24,000; Easterside Shopping Precinct, Middlesbrough, £35,000; Redcar and Cleveland Small Retailers Scheme, £24,000; Sedgefield Shop Fronts, £20,000; Hanover Parade, Stockton, £35,000; Teesdale Safer Shops, £10,000; Wear Valley Small Retailers Initiative, £24,000