Bus passengers can "shop a yob" as they travel thanks to a new text message service.

The scheme, called Operation Blakey after the famous character from the TV comedy On The Buses, is designed to make passengers feel safer as they travel around Brighton and Hove.

Anyone witnessing antisocial, rowdy or nuisance behaviour can text 'REPORT' to 60060, with a description of the incident.

The scheme begins on Monday.

It has been organised by the city's Partnership Community Safety Team, which includes Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove Bus Company.

Organisers stress the text service is not intended to replace a 999 call in an emergency, where passengers should still contact the police or alert the bus driver.

But they say it will help people who are concerned about rowdy behaviour, name calling or other verbal abuse, but might not otherwise have got round to reporting it.

The information will provide important information to enable the police, bus company and the council to respond to concerns and tackle problems.

City council leader Brian Oxley, who is also chairman of the Community Safety Forum, said: "Buses are already a very safe and convenient way of getting around the city and Operation Blakey is aimed at making the experience for passengers even better.

"We know that on occasions passengers can be concerned or annoyed by the behaviour of another passenger - they might be making abusive or racist comments, for example - but not know who to report it to, or not think it serious enough to tell anyone.

"This text message service means it is now quick and easy for passengers to report anything which is bothering them, and it means the Partnership Community Safety Team and the bus company can pinpoint exactly where and when there are problems and respond more effectively."

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus Company, said: "We are very pleased to be involved in this excellent initiative.

"Although antisocial behaviour on our buses by a small minority is not common, when it does happen it causes upset and annoyance for other passengers as well as our staff and we are determined to work with partners to stamp it out."

Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce of Sussex Police said: "People have the right to feel safe in their communities, whether in their homes, in public spaces or travelling on the bus. It is unacceptable for people to be afraid because they feel threatened by other individuals' behaviour.

"It affects the quality of life for people visiting, living and trading within the city. By having a single point of contact for bus customers to report such behaviour, we will be able to identify problems and deal with such issues effectively."

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