Action launched after stabbings and disorder in Hartlepool

The past fortnight has seen two separate stabbing incidents, as well as businesses forced to close after an outbreak of 'appalling' antisocial behaviour.

Cleveland Police issued a dispersal order for the area of central Hartlepool over the weekend after a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour and crime.

The order covered the area known locally as the Fayre Ground at the Marina, close to the town centre, and included the rail station, Vue Cinema, Mecca Bingo and McDonalds, KFC and other retail and food outlets.

It gave the police the power to disperse large groups of youths from the area for a period of 48 hours. Anyone who did not comply or returns to the area within 48 hours can be arrested.

This came after police said it was ‘concerned’ about the level of youth knife crime following two stabbing in Hartlepool in one week earlier this month.

Tony Hanson, assistant director environment and neighbourhood services, said additional resources are already on the way and actions are being taken over the incidents.

He said: “We implemented some exercises and worked with our partners over at the police to try and tackle some of that antisocial behaviour and criminal activity that has occurred.

“That resulted in the dispersal orders that have been implemented where we could target some of that behaviour.

“They’ve also added additional resources, police brought in additional resources to support action against criminal activity.

He added: “We’re looking at all forms enforcement and support and proactive work, looking at how that works elsewhere and what best practice has taken place and consider that as future options.”

The issues were raised at a meeting Hartlepool Borough Council Neighbourhood Services Committee, where councillors called for action to reassure residents over safety in the town centre as part of the council plan for the next three years.

Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher asked if there were any plans in place for stronger public protection orders following recent incidents of antisocial behaviour in the town.

He said: “Bearing in mind if we don’t do anything people will not want to invest in the town, live in the town, work in the town.

“We need to reassure the public that we are serious about developing our town centre areas and ensuring they’re safe.”

Denise McGuckin, director of regeneration and neighbourhoods, also noted it was said at a recent members briefing with Cleveland Police Chief Constable Richard Lewis more police officers will be on the way soon to Hartlepool.

She said: “We will see some in the next few weeks and then we will see more over the year.

“I’m expecting at least a handful in the next few weeks, neighbourhood police, dedicated to Hartlepool, and then further resources.”

Coun Sue Little, noted dispersal orders had also been used in her ward Seaton recently and she said they worked and ‘massively’ reduced antisocial behaviour.