A campaign to help seasonal revellers stay safer in the Bradford area has revved back into action after launching with a district-wide drive to tackle illegal taxis….
Bradford Police have said they want to pull out all the stops to reduce revellers, and in particular womenโรรดs, vulnerability to sexual assaults this Christmas after launching this winters Operation Northdale Campaign.
Increased policing in town centres with advice for revellers, test purchasing and a sweep to root out rogue taxis before the Christmas season gets under way will all be part of the campaign which is supported by volunteers and partners.
Police launched the first wave of the operation in Bingley over the weekend after joining forces with Hackney Carriage Licensing to monitor key roads for offenders.
In Bingley Police stopped 40 hackney carriage and private hire in total and suspended the licences of three drivers for violations.
Aside from taxi checks, police partners and volunteers also took to the streets of Shipley town centre on Saturday afternoon to speak with residents and hand out safety merchandise such as anti drink spiking devices.
Operation Northdale itself is now set to run right throughout December in all parts of Bradford district and will see more taxi operations and patrols.
It is intended to remind those enjoying the party season of the need to keep an eye on their drinks, book reputable taxis home, and stay safe to ensure they have a crime free Christmas.
Partners in the scheme include the NHS, Probation Service, Street Angels, Night Marshalls and members of the public who have volunteered to help.
Insp Andy Croasdale of the Bingley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: โรรบOperation Northdale is one of our most important safety campaigns. Helping people who use our night time economy stay safe is one of the best ways we have of preventing seasonal crime and supporting local business."?โรรบThis year we have got off to an early start by checking taxis to ensure they are licensed and safe, for the benefit of the public using them. This is also about supporting the majority of law abiding drivers who feel undermined by illegal taxi’s who harm their trade."
He added: โรรบI want to thank our partners, and in particular the volunteers, who have helped us provide safety advice in our town centres. Their kind and public spirited assistance is invaluable.โรรน
Inspector Kevin Pickles of the City Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team said: โรรบWe are dedicated to providing a safe environment for the public visiting the City Centre.
โรรบWe enjoy a fantastic working relationship with the Bradford Street Angels and have a very proactive licensing officer to ensure that the public enjoy the festive period.โรรน
