CRIMINALS in the Black Country are being brought to justice thanks to a crime-fighting ‘app’ that allows the public to view CCTV of wanted people while on the move.

West Midlands Police’s free Facewatch application allows smartphone and tablet users to search for crime suspects thought to be operating in their area and view their images.

Since the new technology was adopted two years ago around 6,000 suspects’ images have been uploaded to the site, with more than 100 arrests being made after being identified by eagle-eyed members of the public.

West Midlands Police Crime Reduction Officer Mark Silvester said: “Embracing new technology is crucial as we adapt to the challenges of modern day policing.

“Many people have been arrested, charged and prosecuted as a result of Facewatch. These are cases that may have been filed as undetected without the use of this technology.”

The force said the project is saving thousands of hours in officer time – with investigators no longer required to carry out enquiries in person, interview witnesses, and seize, process and format security camera footage – saving £100,000s in the last 12 months.

Businesses can also use Facewatch as an instant crime reporting tool which allows them to electronically provide CCTV pictures of suspects, statements and crime details to detectives.

Reduction Officer Silvester added: “This system saves time and money and enables us to offer a more efficient service to businesses – and importantly frees officers up to patrol the streets and fight crime.

“The mobile ID app has been downloaded 250,000 nationally, while more than 1,000 businesses in the West Midlands are using Facewatch as an intelligence sharing portal and to provide police with evidence sometimes within minutes of an offence being committed.”

The application is free to download on iPhones, iPads, BlackBerry and Android devices. It can also be accessed directly at www.facewatchid.co.uk