In an effort to reduce crime and violence in the community, the Wareham Police Department has launched the Text-A-Tip program, designed to give cell phone users the ability to provide anonymous crime-fighting tips via text messaging.

This technology-driven tool is the latest implementation of “Operation Safe Streets,” initiated by the Wareham Police Department.

“The popularity of text messaging and changing technology has created a significant opportunity for the public to help law enforcement agencies fight crime,” police said. “The ability for any citizen who owns a mobile phone to assist in crime solving is of great importance to communities globally and we are excited to play such a pivotal role in the transmission of these crime-fighting tips.”

The TipSoft technology was programed specifically to allow concerned citizens to remain anonymous, as well as to allow police to respond back to the tipster by text message. The user’s information is always given an alias and a unique ID before being sent. This secure application allows the tipster and the investigator to have two-way dialog while keeping the user’s identity a secret.

The Wareham Police Department encourages everyone to use the service to report information about any non-urgent illegal activity, such as unsolved cases, vandalism, theft, the sale and distribution of drugs, or information about crimes that are being planned in the community or schools.

To send a tip from your mobile phone, text WAREHAMPD, followed by your message, to by 274637.

For emergency calls, citizens should still contact the Wareham Police Department at 508-295-1212 or dial 911.