RETAILERS have given the thumbs up to a new crime-busting initiative.

Around 20 shopkeepers in Otley have signed up to the new Thumbprint Signature Scheme - launched in the town on Tuesday.

Aimed at cutting down the number of stolen credit cards and cheques passed over to retailers, the scheme also aims to protect card holders by alerting police to stolen cards.

Part of West Yorkshire Police's Target Initiative, the scheme was first introduced in October last year and is now being used in Keighley and in Wakefield.

Superintendent Francis Habgood, Weetwood divisional commander, said: "Cheque and credit card fraud crime costs millions of pounds and often hits smaller businesses hardest. Thumbprint is an easy, inexpensive yet effective way of stopping it."

He added that the scheme was not just about protecting businesses, but also the public as it would alert the police to stolen cards.

"Credit card fraud, particularly where cards are copied or cloned, is on the increase.

"Often the first time anyone is aware that there is a problem with their card is when they receive their bank statement, which could be weeks after any transactions are made."

He said if the Thumbprint scheme was used at shops where fraudulent transactions were made, the police would have a chance of catching the culprits.

"One of the most important messages is that Thumbprint is about deterring crime in the first place. By advertising the fact that it is being used, this should deter the criminals from entering the shops in the first place.".

More than 20 shopkeepers in Otley have already signed up to the scheme. For £10, shopkeepers are given a small gel-based pad, which is used to take a thumbprint and put on the back of credit card slips or cheques. The print is kept and then passed on to police if the payment is proved to be false.

Supt Habgood said he believed most people would be happy to provide thumbprints.

"Regular shoppers will not be asked to provide a thumbprint, it will be for those who are not known by the retailer."

Heidi Beardsmore, Otley community officer, stressed that the most important aim of the scheme was that it would act as a deterrent.

She said retailers taking part would display a poster warning people that they might be asked to provide a print.

"If someone has stolen a card, they will use it no matter what, but they will think twice if someone has a Thumbprint scheme poster in their window."

Jonathan Rutter, chairman of Otley Town Watch and manager of HSBC Bank, Otley, said: "I am delighted to see the Thumbprint Scheme launched in Otley's shops. The use of fraudulent cards is an increasing problem for both the general public and retailers. "

And Trevor Backhouse, president of the Otley and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said he would be trying out the scheme, but doubted he would ever have to use it.

"I know the majority of people who come into my shop, but I can see it would have its uses in larger shops. Obviously, there is a problem with fraud and I would welcome anything to help tackle it."

Sara Drake, of the Ammunition Box in Mercury Row, said although she did not accept credit cards she would be using the scheme for bank notes. And she believed by displaying the posters, it would put off any potential fraudsters.

The Thumbprint scheme is the latest in a number of moves to fight criminals in Otley.

Many traders have counterfeit marker pens and UV lamps paid for out of money given by the Otley and Wharfedale Community Involvement Team (CIT). A new radio link systems is also being trialled by more than 40 traders.