Crimes reported by text message

Revellers at a major rock festival in Staffordshire can report crimes to the police via anonymous text-messaging.

The V2003 festival, being held simultaneously at Weston Park, Staffordshire and Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, is taking place over Saturday and Sunday.

More than 70,000 people are expected to attend the two-day event, featuring headlining bands such as Coldpay and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

The pioneering initiative by Staffordshire Police, is thought to be the first of its kind in the country.

Officers will also have the power to ban anyone caught committing an offence from future events.