More than 60 businesses across Bradford are set to receive Government grants to beef up security.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said 63 individual businesses across the district had successfully bid for grants totalling £151,000.

The cash is part of the £5 million Small Retailers Grants Fund, which will help more than 1,000 businesses in England buy security devices such as alarms, security cameras and shutters.

Money will also be given to 72 partnerships across the country, made up of small businesses and local authorities to help them fight crime.

Mr Campbell said: “I am delighted that more than 1,000 retailers will benefit from the increased security these grants will provide.

“It is just one part of the Government’s work to target the crimes that affect businesses, especially during an economic downturn.

“The fund is a part of the Retail Crime Action Plan published last year and drawn up in conjunction with the retail industry. It sets out a broad range of actions to tackle crimes against retailers and small businesses.”

As well as the Small Retailers Grants Fund, the Home Office published an online risk assessment tool for firms developed by crime prevention experts. Small business owners can complete the tool online to identify things they can do to improve security and who they can contact for help.

To do the assessment visit homeoffice .gov.uk/secureyourbusiness.

Small businesses in Birstall are still being invited to apply for the grants, with a deadline of February 19 for applications. Nearly £50,000 was secured for three areas in North Kirklees to improve community safety and support small retailers.

Those wishing to make an application should call (01924) 324660 or e-mail info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk.