Sex crimes in city centres including Bradford fell by almost a half during a major summer crackdown, police have revealed.

The joint campaign, code named Operation Northdale and led by West Yorkshire Police, saw the number of sexual offences reduced to 13 from 25 in the same period last year.

It was a joint initiative between police, the NHS, the probation service and volunteer groups such as Bradford’s Street Angels, to reduce the level of sex crimes committed in city and town centres across West Yorkshire.

They met revellers in city centres and handed out anti-drink spiking devices, sweets and other products carrying safety messages. More than 400 bluetooth messages were sent to people offering safety advice.

The initiative was so successful it is set to become an annual campaign.

Inspector Jon Morgan, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “We are very pleased with the results of this summer Northdale operation, which has confirmed that the already very low level of sexual offences in West Yorkshire’s streets has dropped even further.”

He said that, despite the current campaign ending, the message remains the same.

“We always urge people not to make themselves vulnerable through binge drinking and when they do take a taxi, ensure it is either pre-booked or is from a recognised rank,” he said.

Insp Morgan added: “The efforts of partners make a major impact in helping us conduct operations such as this and it is only by working with them that we can continue to reduce crime and improve safety on our streets.”