Cleveland Police have imposed two urgent dispersal orders across Hartlepool this weekend following a wave of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, and intimidation in the town’s public parks.
The latest measure, which took effect at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, covers the area surrounding Rossmere Park, including Owton Manor Lane, Catcote Road, and Brierton Lane. This follows an earlier order implemented on Saturday morning for the Bishop Cuthbert Park area, prompted by a violent disturbance on Friday night.
Authorities stepped in after reports emerged of large groups of youths gathering to engage in pre-planned fighting. The situation escalated significantly when fireworks were launched toward residential properties and a local care home, leaving many residents feeling fearful and vulnerable in their own neighbourhood.
Cleveland Police have described the current atmosphere in the parks as “intimidating,” noting that families and other park-goers are being deterred from enjoying green spaces due to persistent noise, disorder, and vandalism.
Neighbourhoods Inspector Adrian Dack addressed the growing unrest, stating: “Unfortunately, we are seeing ongoing issues of general nuisance, crime, and costly damage to public property and community facilities in our parks, which is affecting others’ peaceful enjoyment of the town’s green spaces.”
Under the terms of the 48-hour dispersal orders, police officers now possess the legal authority to order any individual suspected of anti-social behaviour to leave the designated zones immediately. Should those individuals return within the 48-hour window, they face the risk of arrest.
Inspector Dack emphasized that while enforcement is necessary, the force is also prioritizing engagement and intervention. “We’re working with our local authority partners and the community itself to address the issues and carry out problem-solving via engagement as well as by enforcement,” he said. “Officers engage with youngsters wherever possible and explain to them the consequences of becoming involved in this type of completely unacceptable behaviour. There are also targeted interventions with young people who have already been identified, and we’re conducting high-visibility patrols to deter issues and provide a reassuring presence for the public.”
Police have stressed that the primary objective of these powers is to protect the community’s right to access parks for their intended, legitimate purposes. Officers will remain on high-visibility patrol throughout the weekend to monitor the situation, and the force has urged residents to continue reporting any further incidents of disorder.
The move marks a significant attempt by local authorities to regain control of public areas that have become flashpoints for youth-related crime, aiming to restore peace and safety for all residents of Hartlepool.
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