Police are putting extra officers on patrol in the City Park during school holidays after an increase in anti-social behaviour.

The City Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team has drafted in more police community support officers to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre and the inner city communities of Little Horton.

The extra patrols were brought in after officers noticed a previous increase in anti-social behaviour around City Park and inner city areas during school holidays. Safer schools officers are being deployed on foot, with four additional PCSOs on patrol during the half-term holidays last week.

Sergeant Andy Heald of the City Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have previously experienced an increase in anti-social behaviour in the half term periods leading into the summer months.

“The problems have consisted of the anti-social use of skateboards, alcohol misuse and large groups of youths congregating, which can be intimidating to other members of the public.

“We have also seen more serious incidents such as assault, theft and robbery. We have therefore placed extra resources in the area, including safer schools officers to deal with any incidents. If people are found behaving in an anti-social manner, they will find themselves issued with a direction to leave. This means they can not return into the area for up to 48 hours. If they come back during this time period, they will be arrested.

“City Park is a great place to visit and we would encourage people to go and enjoy all it has to offer.”

Bradford Council deputy leader Councillor Imran Hussain, who is executive member for safer communities, said: “City Park is a magnificent venue. Clearly we take the enjoyment and safety of people very seriously. Any anti-social behaviour hinders that enjoyment. Bradford Council supports the use of PCSOs in this way.”