Clamping down on anti-social behaviour

The patrols are part of an initiative funded by the Home Office and led by the office of Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner.

This follows an announcement by the Government earlier this year that Cleveland would be one of a few select “trailblazer” areas to fund measures designed to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The hardest-hit areas in Cleveland are to benefit from £1m made available through an anti-social behaviour “hot spot” fund.

The additional patrols in Hartlepool which will specifically target the Headland and Harbour and Victoria wards, will gather intelligence about frequent offenders and aim to reassure residents.

Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: “We are so grateful for all of the work that Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner is doing, and for providing funding for this particular initiative in Hartlepool.

“There will be four more civil enforcement officers who will be highly visible in the community. Residents will be able to speak to them and give them information directly. The officers will patrolling seven days a week and not just during normal office hours.

“By working in partnership, the Council, Cleveland Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner aim to provide the reassurance that people need and deserve.”

Mr Turner added: “This initiative aims to reassure residents and give them the confidence to report issues, knowing that when they do there is a team that can do something to try to help them.

“However, it is vital that residents tell us where and when problems are occurring so that we can deploy resources to locations and at times when they are most needed.”

Issues can be reported quickly and easily by using the Cleveland Online Policing App (COPA) which can be downloaded to mobile phones. Alternatively, residents can call the Hartlepool Community Safety Team on (01429) 523100 or email community.safety@hartlepool.gov.uk