DNA gathered from shoplifters, People Whose Dogs Foul Pavement, Litter Droppers, and Speeding Drivers in Britain

Shoplifters, people whose dogs foul the pavement, litter droppers, speeding drivers and those caught not wearing a seat belt could be fingerprinted or forced to give DNA under new Home Office proposals. Further suggestions, aimed at easing the burden on police, include locking up drunks and vandals in short-term cell blocks in shopping centres and high streets. The Home Office hopes a network of hundreds of new mini detention facilities could save frontline officers hours they currently spend escorting 'minor' offenders to police station custody suites and checking their identities, only to let them go with a fine or a caution. Instead those arrested for straightforward and less serious offences could be held for up to four hours in a high street cell block until their identity is confirmed, freeing up officers to go back out on patrol.