SUSPECTS in shoplifting cases in Basingstoke can now be identified by members of the public using a smartphone app.

Hampshire Constabulary has joined Facewatch, a free online crime reporting system, which will contain pictures of people suspected of committing retail offences in Festival Place.

Officers will upload CCTV images of shoplifting suspects on to the site.

Members of the public who download the app can then view the images and anonymously submit the names and addresses of people that they recognise.

Basingstoke Town Inspector Marcus Cator said: “This app allows people to view images when and where they like, and if they recognise someone they can send a response immediately.

“It also allows us to work closely with our business communities to tackle retail crime more effectively.”

The app, available from the Apple App Store, Android Google Play and Blackberry App World, has already been used by the British Transport Police and forces in London and Surrey.

App users can enter their postcode and select a radius of up to five miles to whittle down the number of images on the site.

Steven Connolly, centre director at Festival Place, said: “We are delighted to support an initiative which proactively works to lessen retail crime.

“Festival Place has a great variety of shops and is a safe place to visit both day and night.

“Facewatch will enable our customers to play an active role in identifying suspects and ensuring the centre remains a secure place to spend leisure time.

Internet users can also access the website facewatchid.co.uk.