Anti-social behaviour falls in coastal communities thanks to dedicated crime operation

A dedicated police and partner operation is further driving down crime and anti-social behaviour in a coastal community this summer.

Operation Coastwatch, which runs in North Tyneside, was launched in 2014 by Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council and to tackle pockets of disorder which often spring up close to the coast.

The scheme, which is part of the Safer Summer Streets Initiative, aims to reassure the community and take swift action to prevent any disorder during periods of warmer weather through extra foot patrols, both uniformed and plain-clothed, preventative work at Metro stations and beach wardens who monitor coastal activity.

Staff from the council’s Community Protection Team patrol the beaches to look out for litter and anti-social behaviour issues while colleagues at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are also involved in identifying areas where nuisance fires are likely to be started.

In the first three months of this year’s partnership – from the beginning of May to the end of July – there has been a 47 per cent fall in the number of anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents compared with 2024, while the number of ASB incidents on the Metro transport network has dropped by 74 per cent.

Vehicle crime reports have dropped by a huge 63 per cent compared with the same period last year, with criminal damage dropping 25 per cent and serious violence reducing by nine per cent.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Northumbria Susan Dungworth joined Op Coastwatch officers on their patrols to see first-hand the impact that the scheme is having on North Tyneside.

The PCC said: “We have a brilliant coastline in the North East and our coastal towns really come alive during the summer months as our beautiful beaches are enjoyed by residents and visitors - this is why we need heightened police visibility and Operation Coastwatch delivers this.

“The operation is part of our Safer Streets Summer Initiative and is about ensuring officers and partners are they when you need them - keeping the atmosphere safe and welcoming supporting local businesses and helping to prevent things like anti-social behaviour.

“I joined patrols across North Tyneside to see work in action – as well as engagement there was some useful intelligence sharing and problem solving. All this joint working is helping towards the significant falls we are seeing in the area in terms of antisocial behaviour and serious violence.

“It’s all part of our efforts working towards safer streets and stronger communities.”

Inspector James Younas, of Northumbria Police’s North Tyneside Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “We’re really proud of the progress made through the use of Operation Coastwatch and would like to thank those right across our community who support us in this important work.

“Sadly, we know that the actions of a minority can have a serious detrimental impact on the lives of others and that is why we are committed to addressing any issues by having a visible policing presence to reassure residents.

“The joined-up, collaborative approach is key and by continuing to work together and pooling our intelligence, we can keep on effectively tackling anti-social behaviour and minimise criminality at our coastal spots and transport hubs.”

Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and the Climate Emergency, said: “I feel very proud of the progress we’ve made in driving down anti-social behaviour along our coast. Thanks to the dedication of our Community Protection Team and the strength of our partnerships with Northumbria Police, Nexus, and others, North Tyneside’s beaches and town centres are safer and more welcoming for everyone.

“But we know we can’t be complacent, which is why we’ll keep up proactive patrols and early intervention to build on this success.”

Erika Allen, Quality Health Safety Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said: “It’s great to see Operation Coastwatch having such a positive impact in lowering crime and anti-social behaviour and the hard work on this will continue.

“As the operator of the Metro system, we have a key part to play in supporting the police and our local authority partners in keeping the public safe and secure as we provide Metro services into North Tyneside.

“This builds on the work we have already done to improve safety and security on the transport network, including the roll out of our dedicated security teams, investment in new CCTV, and the launch of our text message alert system.

“Metro is a safe system to travel on and we are determined to keep it that way.”

Paul Russell, Area Manager Community Safety, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are pleased to see the progress being made in the North Tyneside area where incidents of anti-social behaviour had become an issue.  It represents the hard work being produced by our partners, who are delivering Operation Coastwatch through operational and prevention activities.

“We will continue to support colleagues at Northumbria Police, Nexus and the local authority to ensure people are aware of the impact that ASB can have on the local community.”

Anyone who has issues with ASB in their area can send Northumbria Police a DM on social media or use the live chat or report forms on the Force’s website.

For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101.