WA Police will trial a new victim notification service (VNS) in Midland to better connect victims of crime with support services and the agency.

The service will result in victims receiving an automated SMS from WA Police when certain criteria are met – including the type of crime that has occurred and verified contact details for the complainant.

The SMS will include a unique incident report (IR) number and links to online resources and websites including information about safety, security and support.

“We’re enhancing our technology to provide a better policing service to the Western Australian community,” Midland District superintendent Kellie Taylor said.

“The VNS is an innovative way to better connect with and support victims of crime – which is a key priority for WA Police.”

During the trial phase, only victims of burglary, stealing, damage and fraud will receive an SMS.

As part of the trial, police officers and staff in Midland will inform victims that they will receive a SMS notification which will include the IR number and other information.

Each day, the VNS will automatically filter through IRs and send messages to appropriate victims between 6am and midnight.

Members of the public who receive a message in error are urged to contact the Police Assistance Centre on 131 444.

The sender details included with the SMS will display on the recipient’s device as WAPolice rather than a phone number.

The links used will not require you to enter any personal information.

The VNS will be switched off after a two-week period, at which point the trial will be reviewed.