Bradford Operation With Some Serious Bite

Thursday 11 October 2012

Operation ‘Snakecrest’ designed to concentrate on the priorities outlined by local residents has sunk its teeth into Bradford’s City Ward.

Following its recent success in the Tong and Wyke area, officers have this time targeted offences surrounding Anti Social Behaviour (ASB)

In the Bradford South Division, ASB has dropped by 35 percent between April and September 2012, compared to the same period the previous year. That's 1,727 fewer incidents.

The latest work took place between Monday 1^st and Friday 5^th October and has seen a total of 22 arrests, with warrants executed onCambridge St, Grattan Road, Little Horton Lane, Morley St, Horton Grange Rd and Ebenezer Place.

Eleven vehicles were seized for having no insurance and £3000 was seized during a raid under the Misuse of Drugs Acton at Cecil Terrace in Great Horton. A 22 year old man was arrested on that occasion under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

City Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Vicky Lawrance says the operation has made a definite impact:

"People who live and work in the city have highlighted issues of anti social behaviour as one of their key issues. This can come in many forms, however; their main concerns surrounded drugs and the anti social use of vehicles.

"Working with our partners and supported by different departments within West Yorkshire Police, we were able to focus our resources around this.

"Over 180 vehicles were stopped, 11 seized, and a stolen vehicle recovered. Some were also searched in connection with drugs offences and checks on their occupants were made.

"Heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis were recovered throughout the week, which saw arrests for Possession with Intent to Supply Class A and Class B drugs. Arrests were also made for robbery, assault, theft, kerb crawling and soliciting.

"Some people were apprehended for not paying their fines and a total of £1676 was recovered.

"I personally attended a Neighbourhood Forum during the operation where the feedback from local people was very positive.

"It is clear that our combined efforts have made a difference, however; this operation is simply designed to bolster our ongoing work and is by no means a conclusion.

"We will now be looking to build on this success alongside our partners and ensure that we continue to reduce crime in the areas that matter most to our residents and businesses."

Snakecrest will be moving into a different area of Bradford next month as part of the third phase of this operation.