Smartphone app to intensify the fight against crime

The app, which is set to launch mid-August, works in the following way: when a person downloads the app they can register their details as well as their next of kin. When you log in, the app zones in on your location.

There are different categories of crimes that you can report, such as burglary or domestic abuse. You would then click on the crime you want to report and receive a reference number.

This is not a case number but should you need to open a case the police can use this number to do so. Depending on the seriousness of the crime a unit will then be dispatched to your location.

Colonel Steven Moodley, Station Commander of the Midrand Police Station said, “A good feature of this app is that, although we’re launching in Midrand, even if you are in another area and you use YoAlert! we will be able to see your location and contact the closest police station if needs be.”

The app’s developer, Abi Sibidi said, “For now we are just launching the app for android phones but with time we will also develop the app for Windows and Blackberry operating systems.”

Other key features of the app include the ability to upload photos and add text to your incident report and the choice to remain anonymous. It will be free of charge.

The app will also contain a knowledge database with definitions of different legal and policing terms, as well as legal implications for different crimes and a telephone directory.

Moodley said, “Lots of people don’t report crimes because they might think they are petty and would want to avoid long queues and phone calls to the station, but with this app more people will report different crimes. This will also allow the police to get a true gauge of the different crimes that occur in our community.”

Chairperson for the Midrand Community Police Forum, Billy Rutlin, said he was excited for his community. “With this app the communication between the community and the police will improve and will lead to proactive policing,” he said.