Knife fight goes hi-tech with texts

Dec 29 2009 by Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

CRIMEFIGHTERS are using the latest technology to encourage children to join the fight against knife crime.

Earlier this year, charity Crimestoppers launched a mobile phone text service for people to anonymously pass on information about people they thought were on the streets with knives.

Now the charity is using mobile Bluetooth to send messages direct to school children’s mobile phones to highlight the service.

The technology allows messages to be received by anyone nearby who has a mobile phone with the software turned on.

A group of volunteers from crime-fighting charity promoted the service to pupils in Broadway School and Aston Manor School, Aston during a roadshow.

People can anonymously text the hotline on 88551.