KEY POINTS:
Police are encouraging people to snap potential crimes on their mobile phones -- providing they don't put themselves in any danger.
They say videophones and other portable recording devices, which are becoming increasingly popular, may provide a useful tool for investigating crimes.
Christchurch central police area commander Inspector Gary Knowles told The Press that filming criminal activities could lead to much faster investigations.
"I certainly would encourage it...as long as they are able to record it without putting themselves in danger," he said.
"The best evidence is a recording of the crime."
Mr Knowles accepted the technology was a "double-edged sword", after seeing people take photos of a dying car-accident victim two years ago.
"I would hope if people are doing this they are doing it with a view of helping the police investigation.
"I would be loath to think we have become a society where people take these photos to sell them on."
- NZPA
