UK Prisons Install Scanners to Stop Smuggling of Mobile Phones

The UK's prisons are introducing bottom scanners to prevent the smuggling of mobile phones, which are often hidden inside visitors bodies. The chair shaped scanners, called Body Orifice Security Scanners (Boss), cost £6,500 each and are being introduced in 102 jails around the UK to tackle the crime, reports The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

The scanning is non-intrusive and can also be used to detect drugs and weapons.

"This is a valuable tool towards identifying mobile phones," said Prisons Minister David Hanson. "We want to prevent mobile phones coming in, prevent contact with drug runners on the outside, prevent intimidation and prevent individuals running criminal activities from inside."

At Woodhill prison in Milton Keynes, two Boss chairs which have been in use since April 2007 on a trial, have detected 21 mobiles phones to date.

On the web: The Daily Telegraph

Posted to the site on 4th February 2009