PRESTON police have warned that anyone fixing a 'camera flash diffuser' to their car is committing a criminal offence.

Thousands of leaflets have been distributed in the area advertising the device which stops speed cameras from working.

The makers, Plateguard, claim the gadget can stop cameras with a flash from picking up number plates - allowing drivers to jump red lights and speed without the fear of being caught on film.

Leaflets offering the Plateguard Camera Flash Diffuser are being placed under the windscreen wipers of cars parked in and around Preston to drum up trade.

The company claims the device 'eliminates photographic evidence of number plates' and will 'protect your license and your pocket. Big Brother is watching - why drive without'.

The company selling the plates is based in Thornton. The telephone number on the leaflet directs callers to a voice-mail service.

Chief Inspector Ian Bell of Preston police said: "These number plates do not conform to the British standard and the use of them is illegal.

"I personally do not think they work and we are questioning whether or not it is illegal to sell them. But it is clearly illegal to fix them to your car.

"There is also a problem that if they don't work, you can't complain to anyone, such as Trading Standards, because it is illegal to have them on your car. We have not yet had to discontinue a case because we couldn't read a number plate on film."

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