SHOPKEEPERS plagued by vandals and burglars are hoping a new package of crime-busting measures will keep trouble at bay.

Ten shops are benefiting from a Government grant of £28,000 given to Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership to fight crime.

The money has been spent on improvements aimed at thwarting criminals, including new shop fronts with plastic glazing to prevent smashed glass, upgrading of security camera systems, new rear doors, improved alarm systems and better lighting.

Shopkeeper Pearl Hall, who owns the Open All Hours store in South Bank, said she had been targeted by thugs for the past 15 years.

"We've been burgled, had the windows smashed, all the doors kicked in and fireworks and eggs thrown. It's been a nightmare."

Mrs Hall's shop has had to have its shutters permanently closed for months because of constant vandalism. Now reinforced windows have been fitted.

"The new windows are PVC and people keep saying they look really strong.

"When a lad threw a can at it today it just bounced off. I'm really pleased and hope it makes a difference for us," she said.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, Redcar and Cleveland Council's lead member for community safety, said shops in Grangetown, Coatham, Kirkleatham, Loftus, Eston and Dormanstown had also received improvements.

"Successful business is essential to ensure a thriving community and these schemes help us protect retailers against people whose sole aim seems to be to make their lives a misery."