Hartlepool Drone and CCTV Surveillance

A multi-agency campaign to crackdown on arson attacks will see the use of police drones and CCTV at Hartlepool beauty spots.

17:33 29 March 2022

Police drones and CCTV cameras will be used to address the spring spike in deliberate fires at Hartlepool's Summerhill Country Park and the sand dunes at Seaton Crew. 

 

The Safer Hartlepool Partnership's Arson Prevention Group, which consists of Hartlepool Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade, will undertake a range of activities that aim to encourage young people to respect nature and their local environment. 

 

Adam Reah, Hartlepool Council’s Outdoor Activities Co-ordinator who is based at Summerhill, said: "Unfortunately, the warmer weather and lighter nights often lead to an increase in deliberate fires at Summerhill. In recent weeks at Summerhill, we have experienced a number of deliberate fires and it is really frustrating and upsetting to see the damage they have caused.

 

"Deliberately starting fires is a criminal offence and through the campaign we want to send out a clear message that we are not prepared to tolerate the behaviour of a minority of people who spoil the enjoyment of these fantastic open spaces by the law-abiding majority."

 

Ian Harrison, chairman of the prevention group, said: "The partnership has identified tackling anti-social behaviour as one of its top priorities this year, and people who deliberately start fires should be in no doubt that we are determined to clampdown on their actions. We are delighted that Cleveland Police are making their drone available as it is capable of taking high-quality aerial video footage that can clearly identify an individual causing trouble on the ground.