Posted 12/03/2009

Police forces all over the UK have begun using new technology during the last year, which allows them to send multi media messages to mobile phones for free, via a Bluetooth device supplied by Astracasting Limited.


One such force is Cambridge constabulary whose community safety unit at Bridge Street Police Station has taken delivery of five Bluetooth boxes that can send quick-fire messages to phones within a 100-metre radius. People with phones, which have a Bluetooth capability enabled, will receive a note asking them if they want to receive a message from Cambridgeshire Constabulary. If they accept the offer they will be sent the message, which will be purely for information and will not require a response.


The devices, which have been funded by the Peterborough Community Safety Partnership, are free of charge to use. The units have mostly been used to send crime prevention and safety messages to young people on weekend nights out and were used for the first time in the city centre at weekends in nightspots including Edwards, The Park, HG's, Liquid nightclub and Chicago Rock Cafe. One of the messages read, "Don't advertise your phone to thieves: keep it safe, keep it hidden. Register it at www.immobilise.com". The units come in shockproof cases and can be deployed quickly for emergency situations or strategically placed into shops or outlets where crimes may be on the increase.


The devices could also be used to appeal for witnesses to serious crimes and they have been used by police investigating the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones in Liverpool.


Chief Inspector Jon Betts said: "These devices will be an extremely effective way of getting important messages out to as many people as possible and they will be particularly aimed at young people.


"The messages vary and their subject often depends on what issues the community safety unit is concentrating on at the time. The technology gives a police force the capability of sending messages to thousands of people in one night.
Superintendent Peter Norman from the South Yorkshire force met the home secretary in December and the product was discussed as being a great innovative tool in new policing methods.


Other forces who have purchased from Astracasting and have given some great testimonials, include; Northern Ireland, Cumbria, Kent, Metropolitan, Salford, South Yorkshire, Northumbria, Northants, Merseyside, Grampian and councils and fire brigades too. Interest has been shown by organisations such as prison services, education services, trading standards and the health sector too.
Please contact Astracasting Limited to find out more on these fantastic messaging devices that can be used by any public or private sector organisation to get its message across to the general public.


Telephone 01726 812233 or e-mail sales@bluetooth4business.co.uk