The government cash will be used to expand CCTV coverage in Sunderland.

The new hi-tech remote-monitoring system will not only helps police to react quickly to any developing problem but gather vital evidence which can be used in court in the ongoing battle to tackle crime.

The new system of remote monitoring CCTV cameras is being funded by the Home Office, through the Sunderland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership as part of a project to help small retailers in deprived areas.

The Home Office's regional crime reduction team has been working with Northumbria Police to identify specific retailers that will benefit most from the grants.

'Downward spiral'

A team spokesman said: "Shops can be vital to the health of local communities and provide essential services.

"If they become vulnerable to crime they risk closing, putting the whole community on a downward spiral."

Previous Home Office grants totalling �70,000 have already paid for a network of 60 portable radios and 120 cameras for vulnerable shopkeepers.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said retail crime was already coming down in Sunderland and that the new system takes security a step further.

The scheme covers 11 wards in the greater area of Sunderland and gives extra help to areas of social deprivation.

The new equipment, costing �35,000, should be up and running by the end of February.