The cash, announced in the Budget, will also be used to improve security schemes on council estates in the most crime-ridden areas of the country.

CCTV cameras have been shown to have a dramatic effect on crime rates. Installing cameras in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, has halved town centre crime.

The new money, to be spread over the next three years, is in addition to the £250m pledged by the government for crime prevention last summer.

The Association of Chief Police Officers welcomed the new cash, but said it was essential to ensure it was used wisely to bring lasting benefits to communities.

A Conservative spokesman said despite the extra money for crime prevention, the number of police officers in the UK had fallen under Labour because of financial constraints.

"This isn't going to alter that at all. Effective law and order policies rely on an effective police force," he said.

Partnerships of local councils and police forces will be invited to bid for a share of the crime prevention funds to support large or small schemes.