CCTV "report crime, win prizes" game triggers row, launch doubtful

Participants will be awarded one point for spotting a suspected crime and three points if they see someone committing an actual crime.

Participants, however, will lose points if the camera operator rules out the alert as a crime.

And, to deter people from sending too many false alarms, Morgan said the first 3 texts a month will be free, after which they will cost £1 each.

To prevent abuse of the game, participants will also be blocked or suspended temporarily for sending three incorrect alerts.

The website will also feature hall of fame in which suspected 'criminals' along with a list of their offences and the name of internet user caught them will be posted.

Internet Eyes said they will first focus on the Stratford-upon-Avon area of central England when the venture launches towards the end of November.

The company also said it was in negotiations with local police about how they could potentially join forces with the participants.

However, several civil liberties groups have slammed the scheme with at least one saying the game will create a "snooper paradise."

"It is an appalling idea for a game and will create a snoopers paradise. It is something which should be nipped in the bud immediately. It will not only encourage a dangerous spying mentality by turning crime into a game but also could lead to dangerous civil rights abuses," said Charles Farrier, spokesman for the No CCTV campaign group said, likening it to the Big Brother society of George Orwell's "1984."

"What if a group of racists decide to send alerts every time a black person is seen on screen and what's stopping criminals using the cameras to scope out where to commit crimes," Farrier said.