Crimebusters in Bradford have been given more than a quarter of a million pounds to help battle burglary and drug-related offences.

News of the grants, awarded by the Government and announced by Crime Minister Charles Clarke, was today welcomed by police, councillors, community leaders and crime victims.

The Bradford Crime and Disorder Partnership - which includes representatives from Bradford Council, the police, businesses and other local agencies - has been given £204,433 to spend fighting burglary in Frizinghall, Fairweather Green, Lidget Green, Lower Grange and Clayton.

The money will be spent on making hundreds of properties burglar-proof by installing alarms and new security locks.

It will also help fund crime prevention surveys, property marking facilities and Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Meanwhile, the Home Office has announced a grant of £70,445 to combat the problems of drug-related crimes in the Canterbury and Little Horton areas.

Councillor John Ruding, Bradford Council's lead member for community safety and a member of the Crime and Disorder Partnership, said: "It's pleasing that once again partnership bids have helped bring significant funding to the city to continue to drive down crime and improve the quality of life for people around the district.''

Chief Inspector David Young, Bradford's community safety co-ordinator, added: "This sort of money is a tremendous boost for anti-burglary initiatives in the area. It's the result of a lot of partnership work and will be of tremendous benefit to the community.''

Mohammed Afzal, co-ordinator at Frizinghall Community Centre, said the area always missed out on funding.

"So in terms of that alone this is a step in the right direction and a great idea.

"It's no worse than some other areas but there is a burglary problem here.

"It would be tremendous if people on benefits and low incomes could get grants towards installing a burglar alarm or locks they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.''

Mohammed Saddiq, 49, who lost hundreds of pounds worth of property when his family's home in Frizinghall was broken into, said: "We had to replace everything and after you're burgled it's always on your mind and you can't relax.

"Hopefully this money will help make it more difficult for the burglars and give people greater security and peace of mind.''

Walayt Ali, whose Frizinghall sweet shop was also targeted by burglars, added: "It's a good idea - if you feel safe at home it gives you peace of mind.''

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