Seaton

Tackling Youth-Related Anti-Social Behaviour

Youth-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) continues to be a concern raised by residents, businesses, and community partners across the ward. While the vast majority of young people are respectful and make a positive contribution to their communities, reports of nuisance behaviour, disorder, littering, criminal damage, and underage drinking can have a significant impact on local residents and public confidence. The community has identified this as a priority issue and one which Cleveland Police and partner agencies will continue to proactively address.
Particular concerns have been raised regarding gatherings of young people following the school leaving period, especially in and around beach areas and the surrounding sand dunes. While these locations are popular places for young people to socialise, there have been reports of underage drinking, anti-social behaviour, littering, fires, and incidents that place individuals at risk of harm. Such behaviour can affect the enjoyment of these areas for other residents and visitors, create safety concerns, and place additional demands on emergency services.
Cleveland Police is committed to working with partner agencies, schools, youth services, local authority teams, and community organisations to address these issues through a balanced approach of prevention, engagement, education, and enforcement. Neighbourhood officers will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols in identified hotspot locations, particularly during periods when increased activity is expected, to
provide reassurance, engage with young people, and respond to concerns raised by the community.
Education and early intervention remain key to reducing youth-related ASB. Working closely with schools and youth organisations, officers will continue to deliver awareness sessions around personal safety, the dangers of underage drinking, the consequences of anti-social behaviour, and the importance of making positive choices. By engaging with young people at an early stage, we aim to prevent behaviours from escalating and reduce the likelihood of repeat incidents.
Where necessary, appropriate enforcement action will be taken against those responsible for persistent anti-social behaviour or criminal offences. However, our focus remains on supporting young people, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and encouraging long-term behavioural change.
Community support is essential to the success of this priority. We encourage residents to continue reporting incidents and sharing information with police and partner agencies. Through strong partnership working, proactive policing, and community engagement, we will continue to reduce youth-related anti-social behaviour, address concerns around underage drinking, and ensure our beaches, public spaces, and neighbourhoods remain safe and welcoming for everyone.

Tackling Coastal Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental Damage

Coastal crime and anti-social behaviour continue to be concerns raised by residents, visitors, environmental groups, and community partners across the ward. The community has highlighted the ongoing impact of criminal damage to beaches, sand dunes, fencing, and other coastal infrastructure, as well as the nuisance and safety risks associated with off-road bikes and wider anti-social behaviour in these areas. These issues not only affect the appearance and enjoyment of the coastline but can also damage sensitive environments, create safety hazards, and generate significant costs for repair and maintenance.
Our coastline is one of the area's most valued assets and attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the year. However, reports of vandalism, littering, unauthorised fires, damage to protective fencing, and the misuse of vehicles within coastal areas continue to impact local communities and those who use these spaces responsibly. Of particular concern is the illegal use of off-road bikes and other vehicles on beaches, sand dunes, footpaths, and open spaces, where they can cause environmental damage, put pedestrians at risk, and contribute to wider anti-social behaviour.
Concerns have also been raised by organisations and individuals involved in protecting the local natural environment, particularly in relation to the disturbance of Little Terns and other protected wildlife that nest along sections of the coastline. Anti-social behaviour, uncontrolled dogs, deliberate access to restricted nesting areas, off-road bike use, and excessive noise can all disrupt nesting sites and threaten the success of breeding colonies. These birds are an important part of the local coastal ecosystem, and protecting their habitat is a shared responsibility. Cleveland Police will continue to work closely with environmental partners, landowners, and conservation groups to support efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable wildlife and reducing disturbance during the nesting season.
Through targeted patrols, intelligence-led deployments, and proactive engagement, neighbourhood officers will focus on identified hotspot locations and those individuals responsible for causing the greatest levels of harm within coastal areas. We will continue to work alongside local authority teams, environmental organisations, and community groups to address concerns through education, prevention, and enforcement.
Community support remains essential in tackling these issues. We encourage residents and visitors to report incidents, provide information, and help protect these important coastal spaces. Through proactive policing, strong partnership working, community engagement, and targeted enforcement, Cleveland Police will continue to tackle coastal crime, reduce anti-social behaviour, protect our beaches, sand dunes and wildlife habitats, and ensure these valued areas remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for future generations.

Improving Water Safety and Preventing Coastal Incidents

Water safety has been identified by residents, community groups, and local stakeholders as an important priority for Seaton Carew. Concerns have been raised regarding incidents involving children and young adults entering the sea, particularly during periods of warmer weather and school holidays when visitor numbers to the coastline increase significantly. The community recognises the risks associated with the coastline and has highlighted the need for continued education, awareness, and preventative activity to help keep people safe.
Seaton Carew's coastline is one of the area's greatest assets, attracting residents and visitors throughout the year. However, changing sea conditions, strong currents, tides, and a lack of understanding of the dangers presented by open water can quickly place people at risk. Sadly, incidents involving young people entering the sea without recognising these hazards continue to be a concern for communities both locally and across the wider region.
Cleveland Police remains committed to working closely with partner agencies to improve water safety awareness and reduce the risk of serious incidents. A key part of this work has involved collaboration with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and other partners to deliver educational inputs in both primary and secondary schools. These sessions provide young people with important information about coastal safety,
the dangers associated with entering the sea, and the actions they should take if they find themselves or others in difficulty. While these initiatives directly benefit local schools, the issue extends far beyond Hartlepool, as visitors from across the region regularly use Seaton Carew's beaches and coastal areas.
Throughout the summer period, Cleveland Police will continue to increase patrols along the seafront and surrounding areas, providing a visible presence, engaging with members of the public, and offering water safety advice where appropriate. Officers will work alongside partner organisations to identify emerging concerns, respond to incidents, and promote key safety messages aimed at preventing avoidable tragedies.
Community support remains essential in helping to keep people safe. We encourage residents, parents, carers, and visitors to continue sharing water safety messages and reporting concerns to relevant agencies. By working together, we can help ensure that children, young people, and visitors better understand the risks associated with the coastline.
Through increased education, proactive engagement, visible patrols, and strong partnership working, Cleveland Police and partner agencies will continue to promote water safety, reduce risk, and help ensure that Seaton Carew remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone to visit and enjoy.