Fighting knife crime with texts

A text message scheme to encourage young people to anonymously report anyone carrying a knife is to be introduced in Nottinghamshire.

By texting a special number, they will be able to anonymously report if someone commits a crime.

The Crimestoppers Text Scheme was originally piloted in London.

The service, available on all mobile networks, will allow the user to send a message without revealing their details or enabling the message to be traced.

Increased intelligence

Ch Insp Simon Alexander of Nottinghamshire Police said: "We need to change the mindset of anyone who carries a knife whether for bravado or believing it offers them protection.

"We hope that with most people using mobile phones, the ability to send a text to Crimestoppers anonymously will encourage people to report their concerns about others.

"This scheme hopes to increase the intelligence we receive about knife crime and enable us to prevent further offences."

The service starts on Monday and anyone wanting to send information about knife crime can text details to 88551.