Louise Wilson, a 23-year-old design graduate from Middlesex, has designed a fingerprint scanner to protect women from pickpockets.

The 5cm long scanner fits any handbag and works through a battery-powered device which stores pre-set fingerprints.

When the “registered owner” wants to open the bag she passes her finger over the device which, if it recognises the print, unlocks a latch.

More in New Scottman.