Mobile fingerprint readers have been introduced to catch sneaky criminals who try and give cops the runaround.

Devon and Cornwall Police are trialling the new technology, which allows officers to check the identity of suspects on-the-go, throughout August.

The force said it will help catch more crooks, especially those trying to evade capture by providing false details.

Using both national and local databases the fingerprint readers can confirm the identity of a suspect within 30 seconds.

ACC Jim Colwell explained: “We want to empower and equip our officers to do their job more effectively and efficiently.

“Equipment like the fingerprint readers have a profound effect on our front line staff.

“It helps them to identify suspects on the street, reducing demand and securing them more time to keep the public safe.

“The trial also highlights the importance of innovation within Devon and Cornwall Police and the work going into making us one of the best forces in the country.

“Feedback from the trial will determine how this tool is rolled out across the force area in the near future.”

ACC Colwell said the new technology would be particularly useful in rural areas such as the South Hams.

“The South Hams remains one of the safest places to live in the country - this isn’t in response to any specific rise in crime or intelligence,” he said.

“This is part of a broader programme to bring our force into the 21st Century.”

Plymouth patrol teams, No Excuse teams and the Road Crime Unit will be trialling the technology this month.

If it’s successful, the scheme will be rolled out to other areas.