The government has unveiled a £5m fund for small retailers to buy security devices to protect their businesses.

The £5m fund will provide grants of up to £3,000 to small firms to buy security devices such as alarms, UV markers to detect counterfeit notes and security grills.

Partnerships of small retailers can bid for grants of up to £50,000 to help improve a neighbourhood and reduce the risk of crime.

"Small businesses play a vital role in our communities and I am determined to ensure that small businesses are not taken advantage of during these hard economic times, by providing real support where it is most needed," said Alan Campbell, Home Office Minister.