City patrol team to report anti-social behaviour
A new patrol team will roam the streets of Bradford to report concerns about anti-social behaviour to the relevant authorities.
The team, launched by Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), will also work with partners to address rough sleeping and substance misuse.
They will also help to address issues around waste, fly posting and noise nuisance.
Bradford BID's chief executive Jonny Noble said the service would be "invaluable".
"When we consulted with our member businesses whilst drawing up the new business plan for a proposed second term, safety, security and cleanliness were extremely high on everybody's agenda," he said.
"By providing this service to our businesses, we feel we have the right resources available to help address some of the issues our businesses face."
Mr Noble said the team's work would consist of "observation, evidence gathering and shared intelligence".
"Also, their presence generally is a deterrent to those who may be in the city centre for the wrong reasons," he added.
It is in addition to and will work with Bradford BID's 24/7 command and intelligence centre support line.
'Combat crime'
The BID patrol team will be directed by Argenbright Security Europe Ltd.’s Command and Intelligence Centre (ASEL) following any calls for service.
Peter Fisher, ASEL’s director of risk and intelligence said he hoped the team would help bridge "the gap between local policing, city centre businesses and other stakeholders".
Mr Fisher added that it would ensure "Bradford BID has the right people, in the right places at the right time to combat crime including violence and antisocial behaviour".
Bradford at Night, an organisation which supports the city's night-time economy, endorsed the move.
A spokesperson said: "The new patrol team that has been launched is a key starting foundation for business engagement to work well on the ground.
"I'm sure daytime trading businesses will appreciate the additional support."
They said their members also hope there might be potential for the patrols to be extended into the evening in the future.
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) operate by raising a small levy on businesses who join to pay for additional services which support improving trade and footfall.
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