by Rebecca Hannant
A partnership between Humberside Police and East Riding Council is helping to reduce antisocial behaviour in South East Holderness.
In October 2024, a meeting was held between Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Leo Hammond, South East Holderness ward councillors and Humberside Police to address concerns after a rise in reports of antisocial behaviour involving young people in Withernsea.
By March, monthly reports for the South East Holderness area highlighted incidents such as youths loitering around public spaces like the arcade, refusing to leave, and throwing stones at houses. Police also continued to receive calls about children knocking and kicking doors in the north end of Withernsea.
In response, Humberside Police teamed up with the antisocial behaviour (ASB) team at East Riding Council to take action. The council issued Fairway letters to the parents and guardians of those involved, informing them of their child’s behaviour and offering a chance to address it within the family. These letters were followed up with home visits or meetings at the police station. Fairway letters can also be issued to adults.
Humberside Police have also used other interventions to address persistent behaviour. In a statement, the force said: “We currently have four youths on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts – this follows on from Fairway letters and visits to the addresses of those involved in ASB, where the behaviour continues. This is a voluntary contract between the family, police and council. Each one is individual to the named youth.
“Meanwhile, there are two young adults (over 16, under 18) who continued with ASB within the town, which has resulted in them being placed on a Community Protection Order. Each one has several individual conditions in place, which can result in a court visit if breached.”
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) are voluntary agreements signed by the person involved in repeated unacceptable behaviour, their parent or guardian (if under 18), police and council. The aim is to avoid legal action by encouraging a change in behaviour.
Community Protection Orders (CPOs) can be issued by the council or police to individuals, businesses or organisations aged 16 or over who are engaging in persistent antisocial behaviour that harms the local community’s quality of life.
Police say their neighbourhood teams will also continue working with Withernsea’s arcades to manage behaviour in and around the premises. Anyone found causing trouble may be banned, with support from the neighbourhood policing team.
According to East Riding Council’s ASB team, the joint approach has led to a drop in reports around Withernsea.
Nigel Brignall, ASB team manager, said: “By using the Fairway warning system and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, they’ve acted against those involved in disruptive behaviour. Several young people have signed these contracts, which set clear expectations for their behaviour.
“Thanks to this joint effort, there has been a clear drop in reports of antisocial behaviour in the town centre. This has helped make the area safer and more pleasant for everyone. This shows how early action and working with the community can make a real difference. We’re committed to keeping Withernsea a safe and welcoming place.
“Antisocial behaviour remains a top priority for both East Riding Council and Humberside Police. Residents affected by ASB in their area can report it to Humberside Police on 101 or to the council’s ASB Team on 01482 396380.”
South East Holderness ward councillor Sean McMaster added: “Our local police team are working increasingly hard to keep our communities safe. We support their endeavours in tackling antisocial behaviour, as well as the efforts of ASB officers at East Riding Council.
“As councillors we will continue to engage with and work proactively with our local police team. Reporting crime is the first step in tackling the issue, whether it be ASB, burglary, assault or any manner of crime. Our advice is that it needs to be reported to the police, and we will continue to encourage residents to do so. If a crime is recorded, the police can investigate.”
TAKING ACTION: Councillors Lyn Healing, Leo Hammond and Sean McMaster with police representatives at a meeting last October
Cllr Lyn Healing said: “Our neighbourhood policing teams are made up of PCSOs and neighbourhood beat officers, who work closely with special constables, community cohesion officers, and other teams across the force. They’re out there every day doing things like carrying out warrants, patrolling the streets, visiting schools, and getting involved in local events – all to really understand what matters most to the people who live here.
“Our local bobbies are right at the heart of our communities, and many of them actually live locally too, which makes a big difference. Neighbourhood policing is about so much more than just being seen. It’s about building trust, tackling the issues that really affect people – like antisocial behaviour – and working with local councils and other partners to solve problems and stop things before they start.
“The good news is, it’s working. In South East Holderness, we’ve seen a drop in antisocial behaviour recently, which is a credit to the brilliant work being done by our local teams. A big part of that success is down to the strong partnership with East Riding Council’s antisocial behaviour team. By working closely together, they’re able to share information, support residents, and act more quickly and effectively.
“I’m also a big believer in getting schools involved – from primary right through to high school – so that young people understand the consequences of antisocial behaviour early on. It’s all about giving them the tools and knowledge to make better choices. One thing that’s really helping is sending letters home to parents when a child has been involved in antisocial behaviour. It opens up important conversations at home and, in many cases, helps stop it from happening again.
“Every community is different, and our neighbourhood policing teams really get that. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach – it’s all about listening, adapting, and working together to keep our neighbourhoods safe, supported and strong.”