Lakeway Police Department has made software available that will allow community members the ability to submit crime tips anonymously.

The TipSoft program is part of a $4,680 crime reporting software package the department implemented in the fall of 2013, Lakeway Police Chief Todd Radford said.

According to a news release, TipSoft users are guaranteed a secure and password protected app to provide the police department with tips, photos and videos. The program provides an option for two-way communication between the tipster and police so updates can be given.

"The tipster will never be asked for their identity and never be asked to testify unless they decide to step forward and do so," Radford said in the release.

However, he cautions residents that the app is not a substitute for an emergency telephone call.

"In an emergency situation, we want to make sure nobody is put in danger, so we encourage calling 9-1-1 if time is of the essence or anybody is in danger," Radford said in the release. "The TipSoft program is designed for ongoing crimes, crimes that have already happened or crimes that are being planned."

For more information, please see www.cityoflakeway.com/police.