The online guide to investigating and solving robberies has been developed by Centrex, the service's training and development authority.

It is designed to help officers, from the most junior to the most senior, stay in touch with the latest developments in crime fighting.

New technology is increasingly effective in keeping us one step ahead of the criminal

Chief Constable Peter Neyroud

The computer-based Street Robbery Policing Knowledge Map, as it is known, replaces paper manuals which are cumbersome and quickly date.

The "map" was piloted by Thames Valley Police.

Officers were able to access it for the best methods of interviewing witnesses and looking for clues like DNA at a crime scene.

"We can ensure policing knowledge maps are right up to date," said Assistant Chief Constable Andy Humphreys of Centrex.

"They will help us select the best course of action in dealing with crime."

'Simple but effective'

The pilot was such a success in Thames Valley, its use is now being extended to nine other forces - London, Manchester, West Midlands, Merseyside, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, the Metropolitan Police and Avon and Somerset.

Thames Valley Chief Constable Peter Neyroud said: "New technology has begun to play a very large part in the investigation process and is also increasingly effective in keeping us one step ahead of the criminal."

Centrex teamed up with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Home Office to develop the website.

Home Office Minister John Denham said: "Making the most of new technology and using this in a strategic way as part of our fight against crime is a key element of the police reform agenda.

"This simple but effective, web-based tool works so well because it has been designed with the needs of the police officer in mind."