POLICE identity experts recorded some of their easiest arrests yet when four hapless tricksters tried to use false names - in the identification room of York Police station.

Two of the cheats were marched straight to cells at the Fulford Road headquarters after illegally trying to register as video identity parade volunteers twice, a role which pays £10.

A 31-year-old man faces returning to life behind bars after admitting he attempted to obtain money by deception from the police while on licence from Hull Prison.

All four York residents have now been prosecuted, using evidence from CCTV images and camera stills taken during their two appearances, and North Yorkshire Police have recovered the fees in compensation.

DC Dave MacLennan said their actions "beggared belief". He said: "How could they ever think they would get away with it? We have all the evidence we could ever need here at our fingertips. We have video images of their faces and still photographs recorded on some of the most modern and up-to-date equipment in the country."

All four individuals have visited the Identification Unit since it was set up in February. They include a 32-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman who came back just seven days after their first appearance. A 26-year-old man gave false details on the registration form, but used the same middle name and police officers were able to trace him.

The identification team have stored thousands of images on a database which can be used to create electronic identity parades more cheaply and more quickly than the previous system of "live" parades.

DC MacLennan said volunteers could participate twice if they substantially changed their appearance, for example if they previously had very long hair or a heavy beard.

He said: "It's difficult to believe that people are willing to lie to a police officer and break the law like this - just for the sake of £10."

The Identification Unit is looking for specific groups of people to add to its database. These include women aged between 13 and 65 and people from ethnic minority groups. If you can help call 01904 669344.

Updated: 10:56 Friday, July 18, 2003