Police and other law enforcement agencies across the US are on alert following reports of a new crime wave sweeping across the country - theft of the laundry detergent Tide.br br The Proctor & Gamble product is in high demand among thieves and junkies who are apparently using it as a form of currency.br br A report on the phenomenon in The Daily said that one thief in Minnesota was eventually busted after pilfering US$25,000 of the product over 15 months.