NORTH Yorkshire 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 Low Marishes, near Thornton-le-Dale, has come up with an innovative anti-theft device which aims to catch thieves unawares.

He said: "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 base 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 measures four-and-a-half inches by two-and-a-half inches, can detect movement in any direction.

"It's am 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.

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

Scanthief 200 is available from Bob Eldridge on 01751 474625.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, July 24, 2003