TRADERS will be asked to consider a thumbprint scheme in an effort to combat credit card fraud.

Police in Barnard Castle have revealed that the scheme, called Thumbs Up, could be a solution to the problem.

It will involve traders asking shoppers to provide thumbprints when signing for goods with a credit card.

The move comes as four people from the Barnard Castle area are under investigation for credit card fraud after property and stolen credit cards were recovered by police.

Inspector David Allaway, of Barnard Castle police, said: "This scheme is actually going on in other areas in the country. What we are looking at is ways for retailers and the business community to protect themselves."

But the idea has already been criticised by one resident, who says it is an infringement of human rights.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, is so incensed by the issue that she has written to Durham's Chief Constable, with copies to the Home Secretary and Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster.

She said: "I think it is appalling and they cannot do this without an Act of Parliament. It is an infringement on our rights.

"Four people being arrested is hardly an epidemic. I think this is a knee-jerk reaction. I have written to ask what Act of Parliament passed this. This is a democracy, it is not a Big Brother state yet."

Insp Allaway said he would be presenting the idea to traders in the near future, but it would not go ahead if they did not agree to it.

He said: "It is only a suggestion. They do not have to do this. We are trying to protect the public so that business can develop in the dales.''

Insp Allaway invited the woman to discuss the scheme with him, and said people were entitled to their opinions.

He said small businesses which make small profits could find credit card fraud tips the scales the other way, causing them to struggle.

"We will do everything within our power lawfully to protect the public,'' he said.