Police patrols have taken to the streets of Bradford to curb youth crime during Ramadan.

Mosques and police officers have linked up to stop young people from causing disturbances while their elders attend mosques during the holy month.

Community leaders are hoping for a repeat of last year’s successful Operation Wilt which saw anti-social behaviour drop by 37 per cent and criminal damage by 30 per cent in the Girlington, Heaton and Manningham areas of the city.

These areas of the inner city are again the focus and sees police officers in the Manninghan and Toller Neighbourhood Policing Team scour the streets with community leaders.

Inspector Kash Singh, who is leading the operation, said: “In 2006 we identified that during Ramadan there was a significant increase of damage offences and anti-social behaviour such as young people stampeding on cars and throwing bricks – it was a problem so we spoke to key individuals.

“We found that these problems were being caused by youngsters who sneaked out of mosques or just didn’t go when their elders were praying.”

Patrolling police are intervening where they spot nuisance behaviour.

Particular attention is being given to the hundreds of cars parked outside mosques, and homes left empty, during prayer times.

Young offenders will be the subject of home visits the next day to ensure parents are aware of any problems.

Ghulam Rasul, of Bradford Council for Mosques, said the operation had restored faith in local policing.

“The change in the police’s attitude is the most important factor, they came to us and said we want to do this and we will do everything possible to help,” he said.

He said the involvement of organisations such as the Bradford Council for Mosques was encouraging people to cast aside negative perceptions of police.

He said: “If a car was burning in the street this wasn’t an issue for people, but everyone gets together and contacts the police because they know they will be there in 20 to 30 minutes.

“Last year was just the beginning, we want to carry on and make this the best area we can.”

Councillor Qasim Khan (Lib Dem, Manningham) said his car was damaged during Ramadan in the past.

“People have that peace of mind because there is a lot more visible policing. It comes down to listening to the community.”