by Rebecca Hannant
Humberside Police have urged people in Withernsea to continue reporting crime after a spate of vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the town and surrounding areas.
Recent incidents include damage to cars and property, burglary, attempted burglaries, arson, damage to the Valley Gardens stage, damage to the Millennium play park and Southcliff toilets, and nuisance behaviour.
Many residents took to social media to condemn the behaviour and also raised concerns about police presence in the town and the lack of deterrents for young culprits.
In response, South East Holderness ward councillors Lyn Healing and Sean McMaster held a meeting with representatives of Humberside Police’s South East Holderness ward and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Leo Hammond on Wednesday, October 23.
During the meeting, police confirmed that a 62-year-old man, Robert Billany of Turner Avenue, Withernsea, had been charged with damage to several vehicles on October 5-6. He was released with bail conditions to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on November 27.
Other individuals caught on CCTV attempting to enter properties have also been charged, and investigations into the remaining reports are ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101.
Humberside Police noted that many crimes are reported on social media before they are reported directly to them, and some are never reported at all. They urged people to report any crime to them first to ensure a full investigation can take place, which leads to better outcomes.
During the meeting, police and East Riding Council representatives also discussed recent matters raised by residents and how to secure their properties.
One initiative includes a full premises survey offering security advice on homes, sheds, gardens, cars, or business premises. This service is open to anyone, not just those who have been victims of crime. Police also plan to investigate funding opportunities to provide toolkits with small devices to aid home and business security, as well as other crime prevention measures.
Cllr Hammond, who also represents the Wolds Weighton ward on East Riding Council, commented on the police’s dedication to producing monthly crime reports, highlighting the types of crimes committed and their locations.
Police say most residents in Withernsea use My Community Alert, an online tool that allows individuals to see reported crimes in their area, helping them to stay vigilant.
Cllr Hammond said: “The meeting went well, with lots of productive discussions. Attendees mentioned issues with criminal damage at the local allotments. I advised them about our Community Safety Fund, which community projects or organisations can apply to for things like CCTV cameras and security alarms.
“We also discussed the success of Operation Coastline, a dedicated policing response to coastal areas in peak periods, which sees an increase in officers to help reduce antisocial behaviour and other crimes when footfall is high. The local policing team confirmed they are now better staffed than ever, and that Operation Coastline has been a success.”
Concerns were also raised about speeding vehicles frequently reported around Withernsea, Patrington, Ottringham, and nearby villages. Police said they were committed to tackling this through community speedwatch groups and remote speed camera operations. Operation Snap allows individuals to submit video evidence of driving offences to opsnaphumberside.egressforms.com.
Cllr Sean McMaster and Cllr Lyn Healing said: “We had a very positive meeting with our local police team, and it was a pleasure to welcome the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner to South East Holderness. One takeaway was the importance of reporting crime directly to our local police teams. We encourage anyone who is a victim or witness to come forward. Reporting can be done anonymously.
“If residents wish to report an incident, the front desk at Withernsea police station is manned daily, or they can call 101. For emergencies or crimes in action, dial 999.
“Antisocial behaviour can also be reported through East Riding Council, which works in partnership with the police. We will continue working with our local officers to make our communities safer.”
After the meeting, South East Holderness ward councillor Jon Dimberline also met Cllr Hammond to discuss his concerns. Cllr Dimberline noted calls from residents worried about speeding cars and confirmed that Humberside Police had since set up roadside speed cameras in Rimswell, Holmpton, and Withernsea, and plan to continue this across the area.
Cllr Hammond added: “Speeding in Rimswell, Ottringham and Keyingham was raised as a concern by residents. I was glad to offer the opportunity to apply for speed indicator devices, like flashing speed signs, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.”
All three South East Holderness ward councillors say they will continue working with residents and the police to find ways to reduce crime in the area.
Cllr Hammond said: “I will continue to work with ward, town, and parish councillors to support local initiatives to improve community safety and gather information on what matters to residents. When a crime is committed, people must report it to the police. If the police don’t know it’s happening, they can’t act.
“They often use reports to build intelligence and address any wider issues. Humberside Police have one of the best response times in the country, answering 94 per cent of 101 calls in under three minutes and 999 calls in under 10 seconds. Reporting can be done by phone, online on the police’s website, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
