A new village shop has become the first retail store in Oxfordshire to win an award for reducing its chances of being raided by criminals.

Long Hanborough Co-op, which opened its doors yesterday after being completely rebuilt, has been recognised by Thames Valley Police for being designed to cut the risk of crime.

The architects have worked with police crime reduction officers to ensure the store is no longer an easy target for criminals, vandals or antisocial behaviour. Thieves stole cash from the old shop twice in the past two years.

Thames Valley Police commended Midcounties Co-op, which owns the shop, for its efforts to design out crime, such as installing extra lighting, CCTV and windows that give staff a clear view of everyone approaching the store.

Crime prevention design adviser Roger Hampshire said: "These are simple measures to deter criminals and reduce the potential for groups to congregate by the shop, as they can be easily monitored."

Chief Insp Dennis Evernden, the west Oxfordshire police area commander, presented the Secure by Design Award to Vivian Woodell, president of the Midcounties Co-op's board, and architect Roger Tamplin, of Kidlington-based Coleman Hicks Partnership.

Mr Evernden said: "The Co-op has recognised the need to incorporate security in the design, as well as making it a safe location for the community to do their shopping."

Midcounties Co-op chief executive Ben Reid said the society had worked closely with the community to develop the new store and was pleased it had won the award.