A NEW operation has been launched to make Bradford city centre safer at night.

Bradford District Police along with partner agencies including Bradford Council, Bradford at Night, Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), night marshalls and substance use practitioners from New Vision Bradford have teamed up to provide a visible and supportive presence in the city centre.

The initiative focuses on ensuring the safety of those visiting or residing in the Bradford city centre area and supporting vulnerable people ahead of the summer holidays.

Increased high visibility patrols will run each weekend on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer.

Officers will be deployed on foot patrol in areas of high footfall. This is to provide support and give police the capability to respond quickly and take positive action while also conducting proactive licensing checks.

Inspector Richard Baildon, of Bradford City Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We as a partnership for the city centre are committed to ensuring the utmost safety of both the residents and visitors of Bradford, who wish to have an enjoyable and safe night out.

“Through working with our partners we want to highlight the provision and support there is for people living and working in the city.

“The purpose of operations, such as this, is to identify and prevent any criminal activity and to provide reassurance to residents of Bradford that we will always take a proactive approach to keeping people safe.

“However if there is unwanted behaviour in the city we will robustly deal with it.

“Bradford is a great and vibrant city and through working with our partners we hope everyone has a fun and safe night out.”

Jonny Noble, manager of the Bradford BID, added: “Partnership working is as important now as it ever has been.

“Bradford city centre is continuing to see new venues opening, bringing with it more people.

“We need to ensure these visitors have a pleasant and welcoming experience.

“By working collectively and pooling resources, knowledge and experience, we will continue to see the night-time economy grow and prosper in the city centre”.

Lee Wilson, regional director for New Vision Bradford, said: “We are really proud to be part of this initiative. Working with our partners we deliver a fantastic service that enables people to enjoy the city and to feel safe whilst they are there."

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin added: "Bradford has a fantastic and diverse night-time economy, which is why we're investing in this operation to help make sure everybody can feel safe and enjoy it to the full.”