Consultation and Engagement
In late 2023/early 2024, “the Big Conversation” asked residents of Hartlepool for their views on a number of issues and priorities. Crime and Antisocial behaviour was a common theme. When asked ‘What would make Hartlepool a better place to live?’ 181 respondents said ‘Reduce crime and ASB’, 56 said ‘Strong stance on drug issues’, 50 said ‘More enforcement needed’.
Children offending was also specified as a problem in the town.
“Dealing with anti-social behaviour within the town, from the youths that now seem to freely ride through the streets on motorbikes…”
— Survey respondent (How can we work together to make a difference)
“Peace of mind that I could go outside without risk of being injured or killed by some masked young law breaker on an off road motorbike or quadbike.”
— Survey respondent (What would improve your health and wellbeing)
“More needs to be done working with the police to early intervene and stop criminals from committing petty crime around the town… this leads to a strong awareness in the town that you can do what you want and get away with it e.g. stealing/vandalising.”
— Survey respondent (How can we work together to make a difference)
“As an older person I tend to feel frightened when I go out in the dark, or going past large crowd of youngsters. Being approached to buy stolen items by people wanting to buy drugs.”
— Survey respondent (Why is this priority important to you)
Survey respondents also offered views on how to tackle the issue with more provision of services and prevention a common theme:
“Investment in children. Facilities, spaces, clubs – less anti-social behaviour if children are given more opportunities which will lead to better choices in the community and better life chances.”
— Survey respondent (What would make Hartlepool a better place to live)
“There isn’t much for teenagers to do… you get large groups that are probably not doing anything but it is intimidating to walk past them.”
— Survey respondent (5 years’ time)
“More things for teens at night instead of hanging around the streets.”
— Postcard respondent (What would make Hartlepool a better place to live)
“Younger people are struggling to do things without support – accessing services etc. This makes them vulnerable to other things such as drugs, alcohol, violence etc.”
— Face to face group response (What would make Hartlepool a better place to live)