BID Camborne’s Business Intelligence Scheme is proving an effective way of reducing local crime.

Launched in October, businesses using the licensed-based app can alert each other to criminal and anti-social behaviour via instant messaging. They can also file incident and intelligence reports which are then officially logged by the administrator and shared with police.

An initial success was identifying the person responsible for damaging a mural that had just been painted thanks to Camborne Town Deal funding. That person has now been charged and the graffiti removed.

Other offenders have also been arrested and court orders made.

BID Camborne manager Anna Pascoe said: “We’re really pleased it’s working so well and would like to thank PC James Tompson in particular for being so actively involved on the app.

“Everyone is working together to tackle crime in the town centre and, by presenting a united front, we’re sending out a strong message that bad behaviour is not tolerated in Camborne.”

To encourage ongoing participation, BID Camborne is creating a monthly league table of user interventions.

“Points will be scored for logging in, reporting an incident, sharing intelligence, uploading photos and encouraging other members to sign up,” said Anna.

“The user with the most points in a month will be awarded a £10 gift voucher to spend in a Camborne business of their choice. Counting starts this February.”