POLICE in Bradford are using ‘Trojan buses’ to crack down on anti-social behaviour which has been blighting communities.

The tactic sees police officers in plain clothes ride on bus services through ‘hotspot’ areas and has been deployed in recent weeks around the busy Halloween and Bonfire Night period, when there is an expected increase in incidents.

The Bradford South area has fallen victim to yobbish vandalism and last Friday, the bus was sent to the Tong ward, which includes areas like Holme Wood and Bierley.

Around Bonfire Night, a number of buses travelling through these parts of the city came under attack from missile-throwing youths, leading First Bus to warn it may have to divert away from parts of the affected areas and stop services earlier in the evening.

Matt Edwards, a community campaigner for the Tong ward, said people in Holme Wood and Bierley are “absolutely fed up with the level of criminal activity on the estates over the last few months”.

He said: “I have been in touch with residents who have had bricks put through windows, had stones thrown at cars, and even seen fireworks launched at delivery drivers.

“It has to stop, and we need a much stronger presence from the authorities on the estate.

I have been in touch with residents who have had bricks put through windows, had stones thrown at cars, and even seen fireworks launched at delivery drivers" - Matt Edwards, community campaigner

“But this won’t just be fixed with punitive action. I’d also like to see more support for parents who are struggling to keep their children under control.

“West Yorkshire Police have faced over a decade of cuts to services and this is part of the reason we are in this position. This is all being made even worse by the unprecedented challenges that the coronavirus has bought.”

Councillor Alan Wainwright (Lab, Tong) said youth workers have been out in the areas.

He said: “The police have a number of people they are aware of.

"The council wardens and other people in the neighbourhoods are working in tandem to try and alleviate these problems. I can assure you the Tong ward councillors are working with the police, they keep us informed with what they are doing.”

He said they would not stop until the problem is eradicated, but that other wards in the district have also been experiencing issues.

Inspector Carl O’Brien, from the Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Anti-social behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. These types of offences and crimes cause considerable distress to the communities and we work tirelessly, alongside our partner agencies to tackle these issues.

"Tactics such as the use of the Trojan bus are used by police, especially when issues have been raised by local residents and the community. We listen to all issues and concerns raised to us and will respond with positive and robust action to tackle the issues raised.

“I would encourage any residents or our local community to come forward and speak to the police with any concerns or report any crime in your local area, so we can address it.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the police via 101 or via the West Yorkshire Police website. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.