Got a crime tip? Now you can text it in

Want to tip police off to crime in your area? Add texting to the ways you can now report wrongdoing.

Mayor Nutter announced the Philadelphia Police Department's text tipline at yesterday's Philly Tech Week Switch Philly event.

"We are using as many tools as possible so citizens can easily reach out to the police to report crimes, illegal guns or to provide tips that could lead to the arrest of dangerous criminals," Nutter said. "This tipline is one more way that citizens of Philadelphia can take back their neighborhoods. I would like to encourage Philadelphians to save this number in their phones. If you know something, say something. The police need partnership with our communities and neighborhoods to keep our streets safe. We will reduce crime in our city only if residents and their police work together."

The tipline number is PPD TIP or 773847. Citizens can reach the tipline on any mobile device, and tips will be forwarded to police. The text tipline, which isn't for emergencies, is now active and accepting tips. After sending a text, the sender will receive the message, "Your message has been received – thank you. We will contact you if further information is needed. If this is a true emergency, dial 911."