Police in Bradford are this week highlighting the work they do to stamp out anti-social behaviour, with Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching.

West Yorkshire Police is taking part in a focus week, organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers, to tackle the issue.

Neighbourhood policing officers are trying to ensure a balance between tolerance and respect in communities and encourage people to feel confident to report problems.

Assistant Chief Constable John Robins said: “Anti-social behaviour can blight a local community and we are doing all we can to stamp it out. This week we are highlighting examples of the sort of work officers put in day in, day out, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“It is a particularly poignant time to be doing this. The nights are rapidly drawing in and calls reporting anti-social behaviour typically increase around Halloween and Bonfire Night and we increase the proactive work we do in our communities.”

ACC Robins said police were trying to explain what anti-social behaviour is.

He said: “A group of young people walking down the street minding their own business is harmless and is not anti-social behaviour.

“But if that group starts drinking on the street, shouting obscenities at people, or is unruly, then it becomes anti-social behaviour, and something for officers to deal with. Demonstrating tolerance is important. Everyone has the right to go about their daily life without living in fear or constant misery because of the actions of others. It is important that everyone considers the consequences of their behaviour, and knows when what they consider to be fun crosses the line into being anti-social.”