A joint scheme between Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council and Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus is returning for the summer to help tackle anti-social behaviour on the North Tyneside coast. Operational Coastwatch has been used for a number of years and aims to address concerns around anti-social behaviour on the beaches and around transport hubs.
During the operation there will be extra foot patrols, beach wardens, and the deployment of mobile CCTV to reassure locals and visitors alike and to keep the coast safe and welcoming for all to enjoy.
Erika Allen, Quality Health Safety Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said: “Metro is a key route into North Tyneside, and we don’t want a small minority of troublemakers to spoil it for everyone else. We’re working closely with the police and our local authority partners again this summer through Operation Coastwatch, which will see extra police patrols on our trains and at our Metro stations in order to provide public re-assurance, and deal with any anti-social behaviour and fare evasion.
“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 which allows customers to report any concerns to our Metro control room easily and discreetly. Metro is a safe system to travel on and we are determined to keep it that way. Anyone who gets caught causing trouble on Metro property faces prosecution through the courts and a possible ban from travelling on the system.”
This summer particular attention will be focused towards the southern end of Longsands beach where large groups of young people have been gathering on Friday and Saturday evenings. Although many of these gatherings are good natured, recent weeks have seen incidents involving alcohol, anti-social behaviour, and deliberate fire-setting resulting in calls for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.