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.

"It’s just rolling out, but we have already received three texts,” said Sgt. Walter Correia of the Wareham Police Department, who heads the initiative.

Thus far the tips have all cited suspicious activity, according to Correia. “It’s information that would not have make it to the Police Department otherwise.”

The service was made available to the public on February 25 in hopes the popularity of text messaging will encourage more citizens to get involved with helping law enforcement agencies fight crime.

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.

“It will be helpful in the school system for kids who don’t necessary want to say something, and for adults who want to tell us more but may be hesitant,” Correia said.

This technology-driven tool is the latest implementation of “Operation Safe Streets,” initiated by the Wareham Police Department to improve the quality of life for Wareham residents.

The program came together quickly after Wareham Police Officer Karl Baptiste heard about its success in Brockton.

“It is a very important piece of technology for gaining information from the community and for nipping crime in the the bud,” said Town Administrator Mark Andrews, who commended the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee for pushing the $1,800 project through to support "Operations Safe Streets," despite it not being initially budgeted for.

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.

During the past several weeks the Wareham Police Department has conducted three separate phases of "Operation Safe Streets". The first involved the apprehension of several individuals on a variety of outstanding warrants. The second initiative involved a sweep of the Wareham High School using police drug-sniffing dogs from area law enforcement agencies. The third operation involved code enforcement inspections of several area motels to enforce voluntary compliance of town bylaws and state laws.