Bid now for £5m crime-fight cash

Time is running out for small businesses in Oldham to bid into a £5 million pot for grants to protect against crime.

Oldham is one of 50 areas nationwide where business bosses can get grants for security devices such as alarms, UV markers and radios.

The Small Retailers Grants Fund offers up to £3,000 to small retailers to buy security devices including security grilles or dye packs to mark goods.

Groups of small retailers working in partnership in an area can also team up to bid for grants of up to £50,000 to help improve a neighbourhood by cleaning it up or adding additional lighting to reduce the risk of crime.

The deadline for applications to the fund is September 30 and retailers are being urged to get in touch before they miss out.

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

To find out how to bid ring 0845 223 5454, or log on to www.grantsadmin.co.uk/smallretailerscapitalfund or email smallretailerscapitalfund@grantsadmin.co.uk