SHOPKEEPERS are giving the thumbs up to a new crime scheme aimed at stamping out fraudulent use of credit cards or cheques.

Operation Thumbprint was being launched today by Greater Manchester Police in partnership with retailers.

Many Bolton shopkeepers, especially small businesses who can be hardest hit by fraud, are planning to sign up to the scheme, which involves asking customers to put their thumbprint on credit card receipts and on the rear of any cheques tendered.

If a cheque or credit card purchase later proves to be fraudulent, police can trace the offenders if they have a previous criminal record by checking the thumbprint against those held on fingerprint records.

Rob Dyson, Bolton Town Centre Company's security development manager, said he was in favour of the scheme because retailers elsewhere who have tested it found it eradicated credit card and cheque fraud.

Not all Bolton shops are likely to get involved, as national chains have corporate policies on fraud reduction and may be concerned about the reaction of customers to having their thumbprints taken.

"It is a question of education and the perception customers have of leaving fingerprints behind," said Mr Dyson.

"Cutting fraud is in the customers' interest and that message needs to be got across correctly. I have no qualms about leaving my fingerprints."

Police believe the scheme could also improve customers' safety as they would not need to carry so much cash.

They hope the number of muggings or thefts will be cut because criminals will not want to steal cheque books or credit cards which they cannot use in shops.

If customers refuse to give a thumbprint, it may lead some retailers to become suspicious and ask for other forms of payment.

PC Chris Mackenzie, force crime reduction adviser, said: "We are urging retailers and customers to embrace this new initiative.

"While taking the thumbprint may take a little more time than normal, it is in everyone's interests to be patient and not to take the request personally, as fraud ultimately has a knock-on effect on the price of goods in the shops."

The scheme has already proved to be a hit in the USA where credit card fraud has fallen by more than 80 per cent. Retailers belonging to the Town Centre Company are due to meet soon to discuss the scheme.