CCTV cameras have helped to improve security in public places

Planning minister Keith Hill and crime prevention minister Hazel Blears launched a guide on Wednesday to show how public places can be made safer.

It shows how architects, planners and developers can make streets, homes and parks safer places.

The report congratulates Sunderland's Bridges Shopping Centre and Mowbray Park for their security measures.

The Bridges Shopping Centre was praised for its security measures which it says are enhanced by strong management, security staff, shop watch programmes, CCTV and surveillance of surrounding streets.

It said a range of crimes related to theft, burglary and criminal damage had declined as a result of improvements made in recent years.

Anti-social behaviour

The guide says Mowbray Park has been made safer with its restoration with improved visibility, wardens and CCTV cameras.

The guide praises the park as "a successful approach to urban park restoration in a city centre location. It has deterred crime without emphasis on obtrusive exclusion devices".

It says as a result there are now an average of 10 incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour per month, down from 30-50 before the improvements.

Mr Hill said: "We are determined to build thriving, sustainable communities and that means places people feel safe.

"Whether in your home, walking down your street or sitting in your local park, no one should feel threatened or frightened.

"This guidance sets out how we expect local planners, architects and developers to play their part in planning out crime."