DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The City of Daytona Beach reported that, starting next week, sending a crime tip to Daytona Beach's police department will be as easy as voting for your favorite contestant on American Idol.

Residents can relay crime tips by sending a text message. The new service allows tipsters to remain completely anonymous by encrypting personal details.

To provide a tip, simply send a text to CRIMES (27437) and in the body of the text, use the code DBTIPS along with any information.

Detectives hope the popularity of text messaging coupled with guaranteed anonymity will aid in the reporting of non-urgent illegal activity such as unsolved cases, vandalism, theft, drug deals or information about crimes that are being planned in the community or schools.

Police departments in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Scotland Yard and Canada are currently accepting text tips. There is no cost for using this service; although, standard text messaging rates apply.

What is not guaranteed is the follow-through of corruption crime reports against City Commissioners or City Management. As history indicates, they are under de facto immunity by their position in control of the police... Also enjoying de facto immunity are cronies, financers and other friends of the City Commissioners.