Got a police tip? Text it to Metro

Got a tip for police?

There’s an app for that — or, well, there will be soon.

As of Thursday, tipsters can text Las Vegas police. The number? LVMPD80477. For the less phone-savvy, that’s 586-738-0477.

Each text to the number will go directly to the Southern Nevada Counter-Terrorism Center to be vetted like any other tip, Metro Lt. Nicole Splinter said.

Police hope this will encourage people to tell them when they see something suspicious or when they know a crime is going to be committed.

The next step, Metro said, will be a smart phone application for an even more convenient way to report crimes. But that will also allow officers to receive photos and videos from tipsters. Those files can’t be sent through the text function.

Splinter said the app should be available around the start of the new year.

For those who still like to hear a dial tone, there’s always the option of a phone call tip: Reach Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or Las Vegas police at 702-828-3111.

For emergencies, dial 911.

Contact reporter Colton Lochhead at clochhead@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638, Find him on Twitter: @ColtonLochhead.