Biometrics to keep handbags safe

Design graduate Louise Wilson, frustrated after having her own handbag pick pocketed, has used biometrics technology to give handbags the type of security you would expect to surround the Crown Jewels.

The 23-year-old is currently in talks with manufacturers about producing a line of handbags that feature the security device. It could be on shop shelves within 18 months.

Ms Wilson's anti-theft handbag works through a rechargeable battery-powered biometric reader device, which stores fingerprint details of the bag's "registered owner."

The device, which fits inside the lining of a handbag, won't unlock the bag until a fingerprint that it recognizes is touched over a discreet 5cm scanner, using technology similar to that on door security entry systems. Once a match has been made, a sensor flashes green and the bag opens.

Source: edition.cnn.comAdded: 24 October 2004