Gadget to stop car thieves

A gadget which foils car thieves by recognising the owner's fingerprints has gone on sale through a Black Country firm.

Central Cars, of Plant Street, Wordsley, is the only firm offering the fingerprint recognition system in the country.

It has been created by Automotive Technology Research & Development Ltd to prevent thieves from taking off with vehicles – even if they have the keys.

The car will only start once the owner, or an approved driver, gets into the vehicle and places their finger on a touchpad where their print is scanned.

If the fingerprint is not recognised the car will not start.

The device can be fitted to any car and consists of a small touchpad mounted on the dashboard.

The immobiliser can store up to 10 fingerprints in its memory and costs around £350 including the price of fitting.