Safer summer on coast after crime crackdown

A SUMMER seaside crime crackdown has helped stop Tyneside's coast being blighted by violence and antisocial behaviour.

- SOPHIE DOUGHTY

Northumbria Police and North Tyneside Council teamed up to launch Operation Coastwatch more than 10 years ago in a bit to keep coastal areas safe as they become busy during the summer months.

Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and Cullercoats often become hotspots for crime and disorder as temperatures rise and schools break up. There has also been bother at coastal Metro stations and on trains travelling into the area, in recent years.

But police say crime dropped at the coast this year after the area was flooded with officers, who worked with council staff, Nexus, firefighters and HM Coastguard as part of Operation Coastwatch.

The initiative also saw plain clothed police officers deployed in the area and 'beach wardens' used to keep an eye on beach-goers.

Staff from North Tyneside Council's Community Protection Team also patrolled beaches while colleagues at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were involved in identifying areas where nuisance fires are likely to be started.