SEVERAL people were arrested and one person was charged with being drunk and disorderly in a public place during an anti-social behaviour police operation in Bradford city centre.

Neighbourhood teams were joined by Project Servitor, the Special Constabulary and partners such as the local authority licensing teams and housing/food provision on Saturday, April and Sunday, May 1.

The operation - which focussed on City Park, Tyrell Street, Ivegate and Sunbridge Road - was a huge success with three people arrested for public order offences and 14 requirements to surrender alcohol handed out.

Police engaged with local businesses and members of the public in areas reported for anti-social behaviour.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers from the Bradford City Neighbourhood Policing team took part in a partnership operation targeting anti-social behaviour within the city centre last weekend.

"The operation saw three people arrested for public order offences, 14 requirements to surrender alcohol, under Public Space Protection order (PSPO) powers, one person charged with being drunk and disorderly in a public place, immediate responses to theft and drug offences, and engagement with and appropriate support for people in the City Centre."

Inspector Richard Baildon, of Bradford City Neighbourhood Policing Team, lauded the success of the operation and is keen for the patrols to continue.

He said: “This was a partnership operation which saw positive action taken. 

“We are fully aware of the issues in the area and the behaviour of a minority of individuals is not something we will tolerate and we know the effect it’s having on local businesses and residents. 

“Through working with our partners, we can address the issues and make sure that people get the right help and support. 

“We will continue to carry out joint patrols with the council who enforce the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) that are in place there.”

Cllr Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, highlighted the impact operations like these have on preventing offending in the future.

He added: “We are aware of a number of concerns from the public and business owners in some parts of Bradford city centre and want to work with them, the police and other partners to tackle this, as we want everyone to feel safe in the city centre.

"This operation proves that by working together we can take successful action and send a strong message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”