Surrey Police has teamed up with four local stores and traders in Epsom with the aim of reducing opportunities for criminals to profit from stolen items.
The ‘Thumbprint Signature Scheme’ is a low-cost yet effective way of deterring criminals from using legitimate businesses to make a profit from stolen goods.
When someone wishes to sell on goods to a second-hand store or trader at the point of sale, a thumbprint using an inkless method which will not stain the skin will be taken and kept with a copy of the receipt for the product.
Thumbprints will be taken for every transaction at participating stores and goods will not be bought if the seller will not provide a voluntary thumbprint. They will only be forwarded to police to check against the National Fingerprint Database if the property is later found to be stolen. This is not only protecting the store and their customers but it will also help victims of crime and deter thieves.
Epsom and Ewell Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Knight, said: “Epsom and Ewell suffers from burglaries and we are constantly looking at new ways of preventing further crimes taking place. As well as asking people to do the basics to prevent their homes becoming a target we are also asking suppliers of second hand goods and anyone who may buy gold or jewellery to do their part.
“We can offer crime prevention advice to homeowners but we also need to target the thieves too and make it harder for them to sell on the goods and this is one way of doing so.
“By signing up to this scheme retailers are helping us in the battle against handlers of stolen goods and customers receive peace of mind they are not purchasing pinched property.
“We are hoping to extend the scheme to other shops in Epsom and Ewell and would urge any interested retailers to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team.”
Participating stores will display a poster advising customers they are taking part in the scheme and stores have also been supplied with a fingerprint taking kit from Surrey Police.
