Posted 09/04/2010

Police in Morpeth are sending out text messages in a bid to fight crime.

Officers are using bluetooth technology to send reminders about local policing meetings and information about what officers are doing to tackle local concerns and how people can contact their local policing team.

Neighbourhood Sgt Dave Simpson said: "This Bluetooth messaging is just another way of letting everybody know what is happening in their area and informing the public about what is being done about their concerns.

"It allow us to contact people direct and send tailored messages to specific communities - even offenders themselves.

"This week we're using the machine in Pegswood after residents complained of anti-social behaviour. We've made the area a policing priority and have allocated extra resources there and conducted a residents survey to assess the problem.

"We want the local people, including those responsible for the causing disorder, to know we're taking action.

"We will be using the Bluetooth device throughout Morpeth to reinforce our messages - so if people want to find out what the police are doing in their area they need to make sure they have their Bluetooth turned on."

As well as the mobile bluetooth unit there will also be a permanent device in Morpeth town centre which will be used by the police to update people about what is happening in their neighbourhood.