A KEIGHLEY pub is among the top ten in the Bradford district for the number of offences recorded by police.

Figures released by West Yorkshire Police, in response to a Freedom of Information Request, reveal there were 15 reported criminal incidents in the past year at the Albert Hotel.

But bosses at the Bridge Street hostelry attribute the figure to a policy of keeping police informed about crimes.

Pub landlord, Billy Carter, said the business had a zero tolerance attitude towards troublemakers.

He added that the pub’s presence on the list was due to its “diligent, responsible reporting of all crimes” to the police, as well as the premises’ extensive internal and external security camera system.

“We’ve got 16 cameras, including four on the outside of the building,” he said. “They even cover the back of our building.

“There have been about 10 instances where things have happened when we’ve been shut but the police have still come round to us for camera footage, because they know we’ve got this CCTV.

“We report everything to the police, because we don’t want trouble.

“We even report stuff that happens outside the pub and round the corner from us such as fights and traffic incidents.

“There are far fewer things happening inside the pub because people know that if they cause trouble here they’ll get barred.

“If anyone starts anything here they get banned instantly.

“Our banned list is actually longer than the Pubwatch list.”

No other Keighley pubs are named on the top ten list for recorded crime – the nine other premises are all in Bradford.

West Yorkshire Police chief inspector Suzanne Akeroyd said officers worked closely with bars and pubs.

And she said they had a number of operations and initiatives to deter alcohol related disorder.

She said: “Alcohol can have a major role in offending, and when there are reports of incidents at premises we take action.

“Police and partner agencies also focus on trying to prevent problems before they begin.

“Regular Pubwatch meetings are held with premises through which intelligence is shared and pub watch bans for prolific offenders are organised.

“We continue to run our Operation Northdale campaign to try to make revellers aware of the dangers of excess alcohol consumption, and work closely with the Street Angels who try and ensure the safety of vulnerable revellers.”