More than 1,000 Midlands businesses sign up for crime fighting mobile app

The Facewatch App Credit: ITV News Central

Watch ITV News Central reporter Chris Halpin's full report

More than 1000 businesses in the West Midlands have now signed up to an 'app' which helps police catch criminals.

The mobile application called Facewatch allows businesses to upload CCTV, pictures and information for police officers to investigate.

Over the two years it's been in use, it's thought around 100 people have been arrested as a result of the technology.

Following it's success, Wolverhampton is next on the list to receive the free crime-fighting app.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson says it will make "life tough for the shoplifters, vandals and other criminals."

Since the app was launched in the West Midlands in 2013:

Businesses using the technology range from large retail chains to corner shops, exhibition halls, transport providers and entertainment facilities.

Crime reports submitted are instantly sent to a police contact centre and officers can then access full details of the crime from their desktop.