A NEW app has been launched to help pubs and the police crack down on drunken crime in Braintree.

Police are turning to technology to enforce bans on yobs who have been banned from bars.

The online app – called DISC – is designed to help Pubwatch members quickly share information about known trouble-makers in a bid to combat crime and disorder in the town.

Pub staff can use it to alert other bars if someone has been banned.

It is already being used successfully in other parts of Essex, including Chelmsford and Colchester.

Chief Insp Janette Rawlingson said it was a "great addition" in the fight to make the town centre a safe place to enjoy a night put.

The district commander said: "Being able to share information about repeat offenders will not only help to prevent crime and disorder within Braintree's night time economy, but will also give the opportunity to build information around repeat offenders so that the appropriate action can be taken against them.

"Furthermore, the app enables secure data sharing across the county meaning that problematic people are not just displaced to another town or nightlife hot spot, but prevented from causing disorder across the county."

The new app was launched by the police and Braintree's community safety partnership, which is funding the initiative, in Market Square.

Partnership chairman Wendy Schmitt added: “I am pleased that we have been able to provide funding for the new DISC system across our district.

"It will make it easier for venues to share information between themselves and the police, as well as see who has been banned previously to prevent them from coming into their premises.

"This can only make our night-time economy a safer place for people to enjoy.”