Anti-social behaviour

Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Hartlepool are asking parents to be aware of where their children are and what they are up to, after 36 teenagers across Hartlepool have been issued with antisocial behaviour warning notices over the past few weeks.

Officers have been dealing with youngsters in Dyke House, Owton Manor, Rossmere, Fens and Greatham village, after residents have reported youths throwing eggs and mud at windows, causing criminal damage and distressing those living in these areas. They have also caused damage to dug outs in the sports fields.

AS13s (antisocial behaviour warnings) have been issued to 17 teenagers in these areas.

A further 19 AS13s were issued to young people who caused criminal damage and were verbally abusive to staff in McDonalds both on Burn Road and on The Marina, then refused to leave the restaurant when instructed to do so by staff. McDonalds have issued banning orders to those involved, prohibiting them from entering their restaurants. 

Police officers spoke to 13 children, in front of their parents, about their behaviour. During these visits, the impact of their behaviour on the local community and businesses was explained, and parents and guardians have been requested to ensure appropriate boundaries and expectations are reinforced at home.

Working closely with our partners from Hartlepool Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Team and The Community Safety Team, another ten youngsters have been asked to sign ASB contracts. These contracts outline specific behaviours that the youngsters have to stop, with the support of their parents. Should the behaviour continue whilst these contracts are in place, stronger enforcement by police and the local authority may be considered, such as civil enforcement or a referral to Youth Offending Services.

Neighbourhoods Inspector Adrian Dack said: “Some of the behaviours displayed by these youngsters is criminal. Residents and businesses should not have to put up with such behaviour.

“We will not tolerate this, and officers from the Neighbourhood Teams are currently trawling through CCTV and visiting schools to identify those responsible.

“We ask parents to support us and their children’s future, by making sure they know where they are and what they are up to. I’m sure they wouldn’t be happy if they were on the receiving end of some of the behaviour displayed by their children.”

#PITHOYN 🫶