Sixteen of the capital's inner and outer boroughs will start using the technology this summer, allowing officers to access to data held on phones within minutes rather than having to send each device them away for expensive, specialised analysis.

The ACESO system comprises a touchscreen acquisition tool that can be used by trained frontline officers. Having such a system in police stations makes it possible for officers to act on phone data while a suspect is still in custody, Radio Tactics said.

"Mobile phones and other devices are increasingly being used in all levels of criminal activity," said MPS deputy assistant commissioner, Stephen Kavanagh.

"When a suspect is arrested and found with a mobile phone that we suspect may have been used in crime, traditionally we submit it to our digital forensic laboratory for analysis. A solution located within the Boroughs that enables trained officers to examine devices and gives immediate access to the data is welcomed," said Kavanagh.

SMS texts, images and phone numbers helped police to quickly identify arrested individuals, he said.