Tackling anti-social behaviour in coastal community

Police and partners are reaffirming their commitment to working alongside each other as an annual crackdown on nuisance anti-social behaviour (ASB) and disorder on the North Tyneside coast gets underway.

Operation Coastwatch was launched in 2014 by Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to tackle pockets of disorder which often spring up close to the coast in the spring and summer months.

During this period of the year, groups of young people will often travel to the coast, some from outside the local area, to meet up with friends and socialise. Unfortunately, this can sometimes see disorder such as the setting of illegal fires and alcohol use.

Coastwatch aims to reassure the community and take swift action to prevent any disorder through extra foot patrols, both uniformed and plain-clothed, preventative work at Metro stations and other transport hubs and the use of beach wardens who monitor coastal activity.

Staff from the council’s Community Protection Team patrol the area’s 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. The work also includes regular engagement with education settings and schools.

Last year, anti-social behaviour reports in Coastwatch areas fell by 41 per cent compared to 2024, with transport ASB also dropping by 13 per cent, in the period from the beginning of May to the end of September. Serious violence and criminal damage reports both saw a reduction of 15 per cent, with vehicle crime falling by 13 per cent.

This year’s operation also sees the implementation of High Tide days of action, during which enhanced resources, high visibility patrols and further co-ordinated partner activity are being deployed to hammer home the message that ASB will not be tolerated.

Inspector Craig Cook, of Northumbria Police’s North Tyneside Area Command, said: “We know that many young people will be wanting to get out and about along the coast to enjoy the warmer weather and to mark the end of the latest school or college terms this summer.

“Unfortunately, this can on occasion spill over into disorder and ASB carried out by a minority, which is of course completely unacceptable and something we will not tolerate now or ever.

“Policing alone cannot tackle these societal issues which is why we’re pleased to once again be working alongside our partners to tackle problems through a collaborative approach, with our teams engaging with residents and local businesses in the process.

“Operation Coastwatch has achieved fantastic results since its inception over a decade ago, but we know our work is far from done in this area. Ultimately, we are all working towards the same goal of keeping North Tyneside the welcoming place it is renowned for being.

“I’d also ask that parents and carers please reinforce the message to those young people you care for to enjoy themselves responsibly while also being considerate of others.

“We won’t hesitate to take action if we witness or are made aware of this type of activity taking place in our community. Thank you to the public for your support in our efforts and if please get in touch if you need us. We’re here to listen and take the appropriate steps to deal with problems.”

Peter Mennell, Director of Housing and Property Services, said: “We’ve got an incredible coastline in North Tyneside that people of all ages come from across North East to enjoy – and we know that the vast majority of people do so responsibly and treat it with the respect it deserves.

“Working alongside our partners, we want to send a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour. Everyone deserves to enjoy a day or evening out at the beach, but that absolutely must not come at the expense of others, local businesses or the environment.

“We are taking a firm stance against anyone who chooses to cause any kind of disruption at the coast. We will continue to step in and take action wherever necessary.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “I live at the coast and know what a great place it is and how popular our beaches and local areas can get in the height of summer. I also know it’s only a small minority that cause nuisance behaviour, but when they do it can spoil things for everyone.

“Operation Coastwatch is an annual operation that puts robust plans in place working with partners, taking tough action when any disorder arises – and it’s also about preventing anti-social behaviour and finding ways to stop it happening in the first place.

“People can expect increased patrols and activity throughout our coastal area - from the seafronts right through to our Metro stations and transport hubs.

“This work is about reassuring the community and taking swift action to prevent any disorder so our coastal areas can be kept safe and be enjoyed by everyone.”

Paul Russell, Area Manager for Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Starting fires doesn’t just put the public and nearby businesses at risk - it’s extremely dangerous for the people lighting them too. Dry grass, dunes and scrub along the coast can catch fire very easily, and changing weather conditions mean a small fire can quickly get out of control and put people and property in danger.

“We’re working closely with our partners to stop this kind of anti-social behaviour in parts of the North Tyneside coast. We’re asking parents and carers to keep an eye on where their children are, especially during the lighter evenings, and to make sure they understand the risks.

“These are great places to enjoy, so let’s respect the landscape and help to keep them safe for everyone to use.”

Erika Allen, Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said: “Metro is a major gateway into the North Tyneside coastline over the summer months, and we want people to come and enjoy it. However, we don’t want a minority of troublemakers to spoil it for everyone else.

“We’re working closely with the police and our local authority partners again this year through Operation Coastwatch. Metro is a safe system and we are determined to keep it that way.

“These operations are proving successful in dealing with issues that arise, including anti-social behaviour and fare evasion.”

Anyone with concerns should approach an officer on duty or send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or by using the live chat and report forms on the Force’s website. Those unable to make contact via the above ways should call 101.