John and Lee Hodges' ``eftpos pole'' invention a bracket to hold an eftpos terminal, mounted onto a pole and bolted onto counters has been so successful they recently moved their business, Linear Systems, to a larger premises to keep up with demand. ``Retailers love it they're also showing their customers that they're doing something to improve safety,'' Mr Hodges said.

``Instead of the customer holding on to the terminal it's mounted on the pole and swivels 180degrees, from the retailer to the customer. This frees up their hand to cover the keypad when putting in the PIN.''

Mr Hodges started designing and manufacturing the pole in Australia 10 years ago and has sold it to Kellyville Pets, Subway, Melbourne Cricket Ground and American warehouse store Costco. ``We were supplying to Costco because someone in America had taken one of their terminals and tampered with it. We couldn't believe it when six months later it started happening here.''

Castle Towers Gloria Jean's franchisee Andrew Valencour had an eftpos pole installed a year ago. ``Customers can cover the keypad and feel like it's safer,'' he said.

The Hills residents reported thousands of dollars missing from accounts since January, after thieves stole eftpos terminals from retailers.

Details: Linear Systems, lins.com.au.