Two robbers who targeted English visitors were trapped by Bermuda College's new 24-hour security camera system, it emerged yesterday.

The news comes amid Island-wide concern over youth violence at schools.

Today Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ewart Brown will unveil a Progressive Labour Party plan to make schools more secure.

And this afternoon teachers are to hold emergency talks to decide how to combat the problem.

The Education Ministry has already announced security guards will be stationed at Warwick Secondary, Northlands and Whitney Institute.

Yesterday it emerged Bermuda College had recently installed a security system, covering the campus inside and out.

The nearby Stonington Hotel is also covered by the American system.

College president George Cook told The Royal Gazette a security coordinator had been appointed as part of the effort.

"It has proved very effective. Recently we had an event in which two English guests of the hotel were robbed as they were walking towards the hotel. We managed to catch the culprits.

"The two individuals were caught on tape just before the incident. They have been convicted and are now serving their sentence.'' Dr. Cook said the cameras would also be useful in trapping graffiti artists.

"We didn't introduce the system because we had a series of events. We've had nothing like that.

"It was because of our understanding of the changes taking place in society.

"We decided that a complex such as ours which is now a wonderful facility has to have a first-class security system.'' He added a survey of the campus was carried out by a local consultant, who had been a Policeman.

"We did a survey of the whole campus and the consultant advised us because we considered it was a necessary thing to do as part of the infrastructure we should have in a modern institution. People need to know that this protection is there.'' Dr. Cook said the system was brought in as part of an upgrading of the College, including the development of the gymnasium.

He declined to say how many security cameras had been installed.

"They are difficult to see and cover all vital areas. They cover virtually all areas outside. There is also a certain amount of personnel security guard coverage.

"The system is capable of giving us comprehensive security 24 hours. The hotel is part of Bermuda College and we had to provide security for our guests and for any person coming to the College.'' Dr. Cook said the system cost a "substantial sum'', although he could not release the figure.

He pointed out there were also ongoing maintenance costs of various cameras.

Last week, Warwick Secondary's Parent Teachers' Association called for more protection for teachers. It suggested private security guards were needed at school.

On the grounds of the House of Assembly today, Dr. Brown will introduce the "Ambassadors for Peace'' concept -- aimed at stimulating support for school safety.