THE FIGHT against crime gathers pace daily with more and more security ideas available all the time.

Bobbies say that any developments made by manufacturers can help crack crime but those tested and ap-prov-ed by independent assessors are the ones to look for.

Two more innovations have recently come onto the market and both offer a new option to tac-kle theft.

Community safety officer for South Trafford PC Tony Crompton tells SUM: "The first idea on the market is from a company making an anti-deception finger-print pad and it is very simple to use.

"Basically, when a retailer is dealing with a customer they believe may defraud them - may-be presenting a cheque or hiring a vehicle - the customer will be requested to place their index finger onto the pack of gel and then leave a mark on the pack of the cheque or hire agreement.

"If the transaction goes through without a problem then the 'fingerprint' would be destroyed but if the trans-action fails then the police would be provided with the best evidence available.

"This is a simple and effective idea and each pack costs about £15 and can be used up to 200 times."

Shops can benefit from new products such as the fingerprint pad but there are also other products to assist homeowners - particularly to help crack bogus official burglaries.

PC Crompton goes on: "Another great idea is aimed at helping those vulnerable homeowners such as the elderly who are frequently a target for burglars posing as officials.

"A company has designed a passive infra-red detector which - if sited near to the door - would activate a recorded voice message whenever visitors call round.

Reminder

"The message is self-recorded by someone friendly to the resident and would remind them to put the chain on before they open the door and to ask to see some form of ID card.

"Again, this is a simple idea and at a price less than £20 it is well worth considering if you are, or you know someone, who lives alone and may be vulnerable.

"Both of these products are useful and just some of the many that are now available to help in the fight against crime in Trafford."

Anyone wanting more in-form-ation on crime prevention can call PC Tony Crompton on 856-7546, or alternatively leave their details on the dedicated telephone line on 856-7777 to request free postal crime prevention advice."

dpye@messengergrp.co.uk