Bradford BID Joins Forces with West Yorkshire Police To Promote Reporting of Non-Emergency Crime

Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) has once again teamed up with West Yorkshire Police to promote the ‘Report It Campaign’, aimed at improving the reporting of non-emergency crime and anti-social behaviour across the city centre.

The week-long awareness campaign, launching on Monday 9th February, encourages businesses, residents and visitors to report incidents such as shop theft, disorder and nuisance behaviour via the 101 non-emergency number or through West Yorkshire Police’s online reporting system. The message is clear: incidents that go unreported cannot be formally investigated or acted upon without a police log and crime reference number.

Nikki Chadburn, Business Communications Manager at Bradford BID, said: “Bradford BID’s Patrol Team works closely with businesses on a daily basis and often becomes aware of issues that affect safety and confidence in the city centre. However, unless incidents are officially reported to the police, the ability to take further action is extremely limited.

“This campaign is about empowering people to take that extra step. By reporting non-emergency incidents, businesses and the public are helping to build a clearer picture of what is happening on our streets and supporting targeted policing where it is needed most.”

As part of the campaign, the BID Patrol Team will be visiting city centre businesses to distribute leaflets and speak directly with retailers and staff to raise awareness of how and when to report incidents.

West Yorkshire Police has welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of consistent reporting in tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Justin Adams, Bradford District Police, said: “Working in partnership with Bradford BID allows us to engage more effectively with businesses and the community. We rely on reports from the public and retailers to understand patterns of offending so we can respond appropriately.

Within Bradford City NPT area, we have made great progress in the last year with more than 280 people being arrested for theft from shops. We have used Hotspot patrols to disrupt and deal with ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminality.

If you notice any behaviour in the city centre that raises concern, no matter how minor it may appear, please report it. Every piece of information helps us target resources effectively, tackle anti‑social behaviour, investigate offences, and work with our partners to prevent crime before it escalates.”

The ‘Report It Campaign’ builds on a series of BID-led initiatives focused on improving safety and support for businesses in the city centre, including the BID Patrol Team, a 24-hour member support line and partnership working with City Centre Beat. Together, these measures aim to create a safer, more welcoming Bradford for everyone.

How to report:

• Non-emergency incidents: Call 101

• Online: Visit www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it or scan the QR code on campaign leaflets

• Emergencies: Always call 999