But it is actually a disguised hi-tech gadget¹ which could become a potent² new weapon in the fight against criminals, enemy spies and benefits cheats.

 

For the plastic lid, which is almost identical to millions handed out by coffee chains such as Starbucks and Caffe Nero, contains James Bond-style filming and listening equipment.

 

It is fitted out with a high-definition pinhole camera and an eavesdropping³ device that can listen into and record a room full of people.

 

Investigators⁴ will be able to gather vital evidence using the device, which is turned on by pressing the letter 'H' - which stands for 'Hot' - on the innovative⁵ lid.

 

The lid, which is 9cm in diameter, has been created by Cornwall-based company LawMate UK to fit any takeaway coffee cup.

 

Britain's police and security services are said to be 'very interested' in the device and store detectives and private investigators have placed orders to use it in undercover work, say the company.

 

LawMate UK has already sold more than 100 of the devices. It will be unveiled officially in London on Tuesday at DSEI, the world's largest defence and security exhibition.

 

The idea for the coffee lid came from the Association of British Detectives and undercover police as many covert⁶ recording⁷ devices are commonly known in the criminal underworld.

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