A Bradford Neighbourhood Policing Inspector is in line for a top national honour for his work in combating crime in Manningham.

Inspector Kash Singh has reached the final three in the prestigious Tilley Awards for Operation Wilt, which has seen crime in the Manningham and Toller area fall dramatically since he took over 18 months ago.

The awards recognise crime reduction and innovative policing from forces across the UK. It is the first time in the awards’ ten-year history that a West Yorkshire Police initiative has reached the final stages.

Inspector Singh has embraced the ethos of community policing and seen it reap great dividends in the Manningham area.

Working closely with the local population he has been able to identify the areas where action was required and where concerns lay.

He said: “When I first arrived here, Manningham was a very challenging, sensitive area. There were huge problems with prostitution, robbery and anti-social behaviour.

“I have to admit I was shocked when I first started here in Manningham.

“Our officers were being openly abused and sometimes even attacked in the streets. Youths were running wild and doing huge amounts of damage in broad daylight.

He quickly decided the only way to deal with the wide array of problems was to involve the community and build trust.

“I immediately began going out into the community and speaking to everyone I could, from schoolchildren to imams, councillors and members of the business community. I estimate that I spoke to about 11,000 people.

“The key ingredient we have had in our success in the area has been the support of the community and the dedicated work of my team.

“That support has been invaluable; particularly that of Chief Superintendent Doherty, who brought me here in the first place.

“I owe him a huge debt of gratitude and he is a man I respect a great deal.”

He believes passionately in neighbourhood policing and the concept that working with community groups improves the overall cohesion of society.

“It is not about dealing with issues in isolation but looking at the picture as a whole. It is also about making the community part of the solution and creating safer communities that people can be proud of. That way it is no longer just a policing problem but one for the whole community to address.”

Mr Singh was delighted to be nominated for the award but pointed to the contributions of many others in his success. He said: “I could only have achieved it with the help of the community I serve and my incredibly dedicated team of officers.

“As a police officer you hope to make a difference and I believe we have here in Manningham. It is a great honour and a privilege to wear the Queen’s uniform and serve the community and I am very proud of what we have achieved.”

Chief Inspector Michael Hanks from the Airedale and North Bradford division was delighted at the recognition for the work done in the once troubled area.

“The selection of Operation Wilt as one of three national finalists is testament to the hard work of all those involved and a real sign of success for the neighbourhood policing team responsible for the Manningham and Toller areas.

“The substantial reductions achieved in the areas of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage practically demonstrated the success of last year’s initiative which we are looking to build on with this year’s currentOperation Wilt.

“I would like to take this opportunity to offer my personal congratulations to all those involved.”

The Tilley Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London next week.