West Midlands Police are using the popularity of the mobile telephone to reduce crime.

The force has formed a database of businesses across the city connected to new software, which then sends text messages direct from the police control room.

The software, called TextNow!, will enable police to communicate with thousands of businesses in as little as three seconds.

PC Mick Hayes, from Steelhouse Lane police station in Birmingham, said: "We have formulated a unique shorthand dictionary allowing us to communicate a variety of messages.

Combat crime

"For example, descriptions of offenders who have struck on one side of the city can be sent immediately to warn other retailers."

TextNow!, developed by RedRock Software, has a range of potential applications.

A central Birmingham initiative called PINS - the Partnership Information Networking System - will look at developing crime awareness schemes which currently operate through pagers or landlines.

The uses may include the early notification of a shoplifting team detected by CCTV, credit card fraud or other suspicious activity.

It could also be used for rapid deployment of emergency procedures during bomb scares.

Andrew Anderson, operations director at RedRock Software, said: "This piece of software is ideal for use by police and has the potential to become crucial to stop offenders in their tracks."