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Yobs who target the Tyne and Wear Metro can be shopped by the sending of a simple text message. Passengers can use mobile phones to report incidents in complete confidence to Metro’s control room, who can then act on the information quickly and take the appropriate steps. Posters have been displayed on all trains to show people the number they need to contact – 0191 203 3666. The text message technology has been installed by Metro operator Nexus to crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour on the system. If members of the public see anything on a train that concerns them they can get in direct contact with control room staff, based in South Gosforth, who can then pass information on to the Metro Police Unit and the British Transport Police. Controllers can text the person back to ask for further details and to acknowledge receipt of the information. Nexus chiefs say the new system will make it quicker and easier to report offending and will give travellers greater peace of mind when making their journey. Director General of Nexus, Mike Parker, said: "Although crime on the system is relatively low, this new technology gives passengers the ability to report incidents more quickly and with greater confidence. "Clamping down on crime and anti-social behaviour on Metro is a top priority and I’m delighted that we now have another new system in place for doing so. "The great advantage of being able to send a text message to our control room is the speed at which this can be done. It also means that incidents can reported as they happen without the fear of being seen by those that are involved.” Ken Mackay, the Director of of Metro, said: "If passengers want to report something then all they have to do is text the location and nature of the incident and our control room can deal with it from there. This will greatly improve the chances of catching the small minority of people who misbehave and abuse the Metro system. “I would recommend mobile users put 0191 203 3666 into their speed dials so the whole process can be quicker.” The number the public can text to report incidents on the Tyne and Wear Metro is 0191 203 3666. Nexus stresses that passengers can also ring this number to report offences. The number should only be used to report an incident and should not be used to request timetable/Metro information. Passengers can also report incidents directly to Northumbria Police on 0191 214 6555 and can give information in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In the event of an emergency Nexus say passengers should dial 999.
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