A BRADFORD councillor has spoken out about how anti-social behaviour problems plaguing his ward have worsened since the lifting of Covid restrictions.
Councillor Brendan Stubbs (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) said: "Anti-social behaviour and low-level crime have got worse in the Eccleshill ward in the last 18 months with the lifting of Covid restrictions.
"There are things we can do to tackle the problem but the police, Council, businesses and parents all have to work together.
"I wouldn't say it's the youth of today, it's also the adults causing the problems."
West Yorkshire Police outlined a number of problems and policing priorities for the Eccleshill ward. They include:
• Priorities for the area include positive action being taken at retail outlets (Sainsburys and Morrisons) and York House whereby youths congregate and cause ASB, criminal damage, public order offences.
- Youths need to be identified and appropriate action taken. The community engagement van, mounted section have been requested and will be utilised when practicable. Contact Points will also resume when possible.
• Positive action is to be taken in Fagley where there have been multiple incidents of damage to property (particularly damage to windows by youths throwing stones).
- Also damage to the CCTV has resulted in it being taken down. Youths are to be identified and immediate and robust action taken. Work to be undertaken with partners to problem solve the regularly targeted areas of anti-social behaviour in Fagley - Flawith Drive, Fraisthorpe Mead and Froddingham Villas.
• Due to multiple calls from residents regarding anti-social vehicle use (quads and bikes) which enter Ravenscliffe Woods via Ranelagh Avenue and nearby locations, this location has also been identified as a priority for the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Operation Steerside. NPT cross-border operations will ensure that there is a proactive positive presence in the area.
"Quad bikes are a massive problem," said Cllr Stubbs.
"Those woods are the perfect place to tear around on a quad bike. But the problem is it causes a lot of noise.
"Hundreds of people have had to put up with this noise outside their windows.
"Most of that woods is over the Leeds border but noise comes out onto the hillside and into Bradford."
Cllr Stubbs also said "Fagley has always been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.
"It doesn't get through traffic and it's in a pocket out of the way.
"There have been burglaries or people taking things from gardens from properties on Flawith Drive, Fraisthorpe Mead and Froddingham Villas.
"The area requires attention from the authorities but I also think some of it is down to youth provision.
"We're still recovering from lockdown as there were two years of no services being available.
"Because of the nature of it, most people were at home. So from a kid's point of view, who wouldn't want to whizz around on a quad bike?
"These youth don't get the same support as the same cohort would have received 10 years ago.
"Are we not doing enough? We've called for a full review into how the Council tackles anti-social behaviour and crime prevention."
"I don't think criminalising every 14 or 15 year old is the best thing for society.
"Police need to play their part and parents have a responsibility when their children are causing misery for everybody.
"You can test boundaries when you're young but there are limits."
Cllr Stubbs also spoke about low-level crime at Morrisons at Five Lane Ends, Sainsbury's at Greengates and the York House flats on Thorpe Edge.
He said: "A lot of the York House residents are being re-housed as they plan to demolish it to make way for 70 to 80 new homes.
"York House was a building of its time but it's outlived itself.
"There has been some anti-social behaviour but rebuilding new homes is a better way forward for the estate."
Cllr Stubbs also warned about problems with shoplifting at retail outlets.
"It would appear you get free reign to shoplift and shops are having to write off thousands of pounds worth of stock. It's not good for customers or businesses."
To combat this, he mentioned radios that link shops would make other businesses aware of thieves operating in the area.
He said: "This equipment could cost £12,000 to £15,000 which is prohibitive for some businesses but the Council could come up with a scheme to help fund this equipment.
Cllr Stubbs added: "People are frustrated so I think it's good the police are focusing on these priorities and I welcome it."
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