New device aimed at helping to thwart those thieves (From Gazette & Herald)

New device aimed at helping to thwart those thieves

RYEDALE inventor Bob Eldridge has high hopes his latest product will take off with law-abiding citizens across the country.

Mr Eldridge, whose company Summertronics is based at High Marishes, near Pickering, has come up with an innovative anti-theft device which aims to catch thieves unawares.

He explained: "It's a tiny transmitter you conceal on an item you want to protect, anything from a quad bike to a trailer or a car.

"There's a case station you keep in your home and if a thief starts tampering with the item the base station gives a low level alarm."

Mr Eldridge said property owners would then be able to respond by either contacting the police or disturbing the intruders by switching on outside lights to scare them off.

The device, which is just four-and-a-half inches by two-and-a-half inches big, can detect movement in any direction.

"It's an amazing new system and it's had an enthusiastic reception wherever it goes," he said.

The company began a limited production run - and the devices, trademarked Scanthief 200, were sold out within days of hitting the shelves.

"It was quite an amazing response considering it is such a new product," said Mr Eldridge.

"I have never had a product before when I have been chased by people."

Scanthief 200 is available from Bob Eldridge on (01751) 474625.

Updated: 10:55 Wednesday, July 30, 2003