POLICE in Shipley stepped up patrols over the festive period after claims young people were taking part in anti social behaviour after being driven to the area from around Bradford.

Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team worked with British Transport Police to carry out targeted patrols over the holidays.

PC Martin Brearley had warned parents to be more alert to what their children are doing and who they are with when they are out in groups in the evenings.

Despite the warnings, he said there were around 15-20 youths gathering in the area, particularly in Baildon and Saltaire, over the festive period "intent on carrying on with their unacceptable behaviour."

PC Brearley added: “The warnings have now stopped. If we come across, or are called to someone we have warned previously there is no further warning, the matter will be dealt with positively and the outcome may not be to their liking."

He said the youths were coming from West Royd, Five Lane Ends, and Thorpe Edge, adding: "In some cases parents and taxis are dropping them off and collecting them at the end of the night."