Operation Coastwatch – a joint effort by Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council and Nexus – has returned for summer 2026. It aims to tackle anti-social behaviour on the Tyne and Wear Metro and across the North Tyneside coast.
It involves extra foot patrols, beach wardens, and the deployment of mobile CCTV to reassure local people and visitors, as well as keeping the coast safe and welcoming for all.
In 2025, anti-social behaviour reports in Coastwatch areas fell by 41%, with transport ASB also falling by 13% between May and September. Serious violence and criminal damage reports both saw a reduction of 15%, and vehicle crime falling by 13%.
This year’s operation will see the implementation of High Tide days of action, during which enhanced resources, high visibility patrols and further coordinated partner activity are being deployed to hammer home the message that ASB will not be tolerated.
Inspector Craig Cook, from Northumberland 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.”
Erika Allen, Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, commented: “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.”