An operation has started to help curb under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour in parts of Bradford. The first night of the six-week project, called Operation Staysafe, saw uniformed police officers and youth workers patrolling the Holme Wood estate.

The operation resulted in three arrests – one for drunk and disorderly, and two for racially aggravated harassment and theft.

In addition, 30 young people were spoken to by officers. Two boys were taken home to be talked to in front of their parents after having alcohol and cigarettes confiscated from them and a further four were spoken to in front of their parents for alleged anti-social behaviour.

Thirty young people were also registered to be contacted by the young people’s support unit and three to be contacted by the youth offending team.

A number of follow up ASBO visits have also been arranged.

Councillor Martin Smith, Bradford Council’s safer communities executive member, said: “The whole object is to make the community safer.

“That includes young people who are being constructive as well as those being abusive.

“We need to inform parents and the community in general so they understand what is happening.

“We are very proactive here in Bradford and work well in partnership with police and youth services, the health service and the probation service. Operations such as this serve to re-enforce the message we are trying to get across.”

Julie Whiting, project co-ordinator at the Bradford Youth Development Partnership, said: “It was a really positive night for us. In all we managed to engage with about 90 young people on the street.

“We had four teams out working and speaking to the young people and seeing what they would like to see made available for them. We had a number of activities going on over the weekend including football, go-karting and a dance which were all well attended.

“This was a relatively new thing for us to go out on the streets in this area and we will be continuing to put on events and have teams on the streets until the end of March.”