A group of tramps, car thieves and shoplifters are likely to get their marching orders from Bradford city centre because of new powers granted by Home Secretary Jack Straw.

And a blitz on yobs will spread outside the city with a clamp-down on gangs causing misery to householders.

Last week the Telegraph & Argus highlighted problems in the city centre after market research revealed people were afraid of walking the streets after 5pm.

Now the council and police have grasped the nettle, preparing 13 anti-social behaviour orders where magistrates can order culprits to stop.

They can be banned from certain areas and the offenders face fines of up to £5,000 or five years in prison if they break orders.

The district's alleged offenders will soon receive summonses. The council obtained its first and only order in January over noise nuisance from a hi-fi.

Police are homing in on two tramps, two shoplifters and two car thieves in the city centre who they say are causing harassment and nuisance.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Gasson said evidence would be submitted to Bradford Council which would take the necessary legal action.

He said: "We know who they are and we are collecting evidence, although it can take a long time. There are certain areas which we will police a lot more strongly."

The seven anti-social behaviour orders being prepared by the council mainly involve large groups of young people.

Director of housing Geraldine Howley said five of the alleged offenders were from private houses and two from council properties in Manchester Road and Holme Wood. She said tenancy enforcement officers were now blitzing the Canterbury, Bradford Moor and Holme Wood areas.