Northamptonshire Police has begun a new trial which will see its scenes of crimes officers armed with a scanner, computer and mobile phone.

Fingerprints found at the scene will be fed back to police headquarters within minutes for identification.

It is hoped the technology will improve the chances of catching burglars.

David Goodwin, head of Northamptonshire's fingerprint bureau said: "Here is a simple but highly effective new idea involving fingerprints.

"The system has been developed by Lincolnshire Police who have already completed trials and put it into routine use.

"Along with other forces we have picked up on the idea and have started our own trial and hope to get the system into full operation as soon as possible."