Linen Technology Tracking, a Miami-based company, recently patented a radio-frequency identification chip designed to keep real-time inventory of frequently misplaced orstolengoods.
Some banks also treat lost orstolengoods using the same procedures as in-store credit card fraud, requiring retailers to replace a missing item or face a transaction dispute.
In his force's fight against organised crime in Manchester, Sir Peter said it was often able to penetrate the top of a criminal gang by linking "foot soldiers" selling drugs orstolengoods to those running operations.
From there, a criminal could buy narcotics, stolen credit-card numbers or other goods by transferring the LRs to another person's Liberty Reserve account.