Crime charity recruits the smartphone

A CRIME-fighting charity is harnessing the power of smartphones to encourage more witnesses to speak out.

Crimestoppers has set up a “mini mobile site” as soaring numbers choose to pass on information online rather than over the phone.

Around 40 per cent of information received by the charity comes through the form on its website.

The technology allows users to access the charity’s secure online form which has been optimised for mobile devices.

Those who give information can also make a donation to Crimestoppers via text message through Just Text Giving.

Lord Ashcroft, founder of Crimestoppers, said: “As the only crime-fighting charity in the UK allowing people to pass on information about crime anonymously, it is vital we make this process as easy as possible. We want to encourage the public to give information whether at home or on the move.”