Thumbprint scheme to finger fraudsters

Thumbprints will be used in the fight against fraud

Shoppers will have to provide thumbprints if they want to pay by cheque or credit card as part of a new anti-crime initiative.

Police officers in Coventry have joined forces with traders in Earlsdon and the city council to tackle fraud.

Participating stores may refuse to sell goods to any shopper who is not prepared to provide a thumbprint when signing for purchases.

The scheme is a first for Coventry.

The system is very simple

Pc Jo Lacey

Police constable Jo Lacey said: "We are convinced that when the system is up and running it will drastically reduce crime.

"The system is very simple. Shops taking part will be provided with kits stored next to the till.

"When shoppers pay using credit card or cheques, they will be told about the scheme and asked to provide a thumbprint before they sign for the goods.

"If they refuse, the sales assistant will ask for further identification and it is up to the store whether or not it continues with the transaction if no further ID is available."

Police say that any thumbprints taken will be treated in the same way as signatures and will not be kept on a database.

"The only time police will access thumbprints is when a fraudulent transaction has taken place," added Pc Lacey.