A Worthing-based company is using text messages to help crack crime.

Digital media specialists 24x has launched Community Crime Text (CCT) to convert mobile phones - at present the criminal's best friend -

into his or her worst enemy.

The system aims to register mobile phone users in every street across Sussex.

This will be done by users texting their postcode, and a nickname if they want to make things more personal, to 24x's secure server on 07748 875735.

The server will send a return text, thanking users for registering and asking them to save the CCT number on their phone.

The more people who register, the easier the scheme will be able to track crime and criminals.

If an armed robbery was committed and the criminals were spotted escaping in a van, CCT could help locate it.

Once the information was received, it would automatically send a message to the phones of registered users with postcodes in the area.

If the van was spotted, the user could ring the hotline or simply text a reply. This address would then be displayed on screen to enable the van to be tracked.

The operator could ring any of the spotters for further information and, as the van changed course, messages would be sent out ahead of it to monitor its progress.

Once the criminals had been apprehended, a text message would be sent to all participating mobiles, thanking their owners for their vigilance and informing them of the success of the search.

24x said CCT could be used for other purposes by the police.

It could allow witnesses to report incidents, even if they did not want to get involved, and be used to request witnesses or save time by requesting information about whether an incident was still in progress.

Managing director Kevin Strong said: "There are a number of spin-offs and the system could be used for pub alerts and by neighbourhood watch schemes, gas and electricity suppliers.

"It could even be used for providing council information, such as details about refuse collection.

"Many mobile applications try to rip people off but this gives people a cheap way to get more involved in their community."

A similar, but simpler, system has been running in South Africa for nine months.

Although it is too early for official crime figures to be released, 24x said public take-up of the scheme had been huge, with more than 85,000 registered users in KwaZulu Natal province, even though the system had not been advertised.

The largest number of users came from the 14 to 28 age group due to their familiarity with text messaging.

Mr Strong said: "The police have made a big effort to involve young people and this scheme is a nearly-anonymous way to get this alert, mobile-savvy group to help prevent crime."

The scheme takes advantage of the massive number of mobile phones in use.

Seventy-five per cent of the public owns mobile phones, expected to rise to 90 per cent in the next two years.

24x is currently discussing the system with police in Sussex and Surrey.

www.24x.com