Caught a criminal on your phone?

9:00am Wednesday 28th November 2007

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MEMBERS of the public who catch criminals red-handed by filming them on mobile phones can now upload pictures directly on to the police website.

A new multi-media innovation on Greater Manchester Police's website allows still photographs and videos to be contributed anonymously by people who may have captured vital evidence on their phone or portable camera.

The idea was initially brought in as part of the police's fight against terrorism.

It was thought that people may want to use their mobile camera-phones to report suspicious activity and send it directly to police.

But police in Bolton believe the technology can help in the fight against all crime and are urging the pubic to make use of their website if they think they may have filmed something suspicious or illegal.

Detective Chief Inspector Pat McKelvey said: "Nowadays people get so much evidence by using their phones and cameras and recording videos. It's like an extra set of eyes and ears for us."

He added: "If people have seen anything out on the streets and want to let us know about it there a number of different ways it can be done now. As well as phoning us, people can email and the GMP website allows media files, like camera phone pictures, to be uploaded.

"And if people wish to remain anonymous we will always respect that so people do not need to worry about letting us know about any crimes they may have witnessed."

People who want to utilise the new facility just need to log on here and click on submit information to GMP'.

People who do not have an internet connection can still help police by phoning them on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.