Waterbury launches app to report crime

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- Whether it's speeding or spotting someone doing something bad in your neighborhood, there's a way you can get that problem reported immediately. The City of Waterbury has launched a new app that takes care that. 

Walking down the streets of Waterbury, Marques Bond is never surprised at what she sees, especially when it comes to teens.

"Fighting, stealing cars. Everything they're doing nowadays is beacuse there's nothing else for them to do," said Bond.

"Stealing cars," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"Yeah. You never heard about nobody stealing cars," said Bond.

"Of course I have, but you've seen a shady situation like that," asked News 8's Logan.

"Yeah, I've seen," said Bond.

"Would you take a picture in that incident and send it," asked News 8's Logan.

"Yeah," said Bond.

The city's newly launched mobile phone application, IReportWtby, allows you to report anything you see in Waterbury and then track your complaints to see who's taking care of the problem and if progress has been made.

The app can be downloaded for free on iPhones and Android phones. It uses GPS and photo features to help guide the city to the trouble spots you're reporting.

"You think it's a good idea," asked News 8's Logan.

"Yeah, definitely, because it's easy beacuse not a lot of people don't like to go to the police station to report things," said Zhane Gomes.

Almost a year ago on Bishop Street, a 4-year-old little boy ran out into the middle of the road after his puppy who was hit and killed.  That driver fled the scene. Neighbors here say they wish they had app then, because speeding is still a problem.

"Tell me how bad," said News 8's Logan.

"Every night. Every night it's always like that. It's dangerous," said Jose Garcia.

"So will you use this app if you learn more about it to report speeders," asked News 8's Logan.

"Yes, absolutely," said Garcia.

"I think people don't speak up because they don't want it to come back on them," said Bond.