Pupils suggest text crime alert

Sending a text protects the messenger's identity, said pupils

Passengers should be able to alert police about bus crimes by sending a text from their mobile phones.

It is one of the winning ideas in a competition organised by Haringey Council, with the support of police and local businesses.

It was suggested by a group of pupils from St Thomas More Roman Catholic School in Wood Green, north London.

Transport for London (TfL) welcomed the suggestions, saying they would like to meet them and "discuss their ideas".

The schoolchildren were asked to suggest ways of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

It would be fantastic if we can actually help make these ideas a reality Haringey councillor Nilgun Canver

Seven groups from the school took part in the Say Yes Challenge.

The group, called Achieving Greater Possibilities, which came up with the text idea, said as the location of the buses was electronically controlled police would be able to reach the crime scene quickly.

As sending a text is more subtle than calling an emergency number - and protects the messenger's identity - people would be more willing to inform the police, the group said.

Another group, Carpe Diem, were declared joint winners for their idea of launching a page on a social networking website to provide a forum for young people and host a chat show presented by youngsters.

A TfL spokesperson said: "We very much welcome this effort to directly involve young people in tackling crime.

"Transport for London would be happy to meet these young people and discuss their ideas to see which are most practical."

Haringey councillor Nilgun Canver said: "It would be fantastic if we can actually help make these ideas a reality."