Following recent anti-social behaviour at the coast, I have now had a further update from Northumbria Police regarding Operation Coastwatch and High Tide.
HIGH TIDE
Resourcing and Deployments | May – September 2026
Purpose
HIGH TIDE is a planned series of Days of Action focused on identified high‑risk coastal dates. The aim is to keep people safe, prevent disorder, and provide visible reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors during periods of increased demand.
This activity supplements routine Coastwatch policing and does not replace day‑to‑day neighbourhood and response policing.
What Activity Will Be Taking Place
1. Increased Visible Policing
On identified HIGH TIDE dates, the public can expect:
- High‑visibility officer patrols across beaches, promenades, town centres and transport hubs
- Officers on foot patrol, supported by vehicles where appropriate
- Clear engagement with young people and groups to set expectations early and prevent escalation
The focus is engagement first, with enforcement used where necessary to prevent harm.
2. Targeted Prevention and Early Intervention
Officers will:
- Act early to discourage anti‑social behaviour, alcohol misuse and unsafe activity
- Identify and safeguard vulnerable individuals, including those intoxicated or separated from friends
- Work with families and guardians where young people are involved
This approach is designed to stop issues developing, rather than responding once problems have escalated.
3. Transport and Movement Management
Dedicated resources will be in place to:
- Patrol Metro and transport hubs at peak arrival and dispersal times
- Work alongside transport providers to manage crowding and safety
- Ensure safe movement along key routes back from the seafront
4. Licensing and Business Engagement
On busier dates, policing activity will include:
- Targeted licensing patrols alongside Local Authority colleagues
- Engagement with licensed premises to manage queues, capacity and compliance
- Swift action where breaches pose a risk to public safety
5. Multi‑Agency Working
HIGH TIDE is delivered with partners, including:
- Local Authority Community Protection teams
- Transport providers and security teams
- Fire and Rescue colleagues
- Other relevant statutory and third‑sector partners
This ensures a coordinated, proportionate response focused on prevention and safety.
6. Flexible and Weather‑Aware Deployment
- Activity levels may increase or decrease in response to weather, real‑time intelligence and crowd levels
- Additional deployments can be activated quickly if demand rises
- Command and control structures are in place to support rapid decision‑making
Key Periods of Activity
While Coastwatch patrols continue throughout the year, HIGH TIDE activity is most likely around:
- Late May Half Term
- June exam completion and school leavers
- End of school term in July
- GCSE and A‑Level Results Days in August
These dates historically see higher levels of youth attendance and increased pressure on coastal locations.